TWO former Worcestershire players have emerged as favourites to become the next England cricket coach.

Current incumbent Duncan Fletcher resigned yesterday after eight years in the role and will leave his post after England complete their World Cup campaign against the West Indies tomorrow.

ECB chairman David Morgan revealed that England may have a caretaker coach in place "within 48 hours" and "may appoint quite quickly Duncan Fletcher's permanent successor."

Tom Moody, once a captain and coach at New Road, and Peter Moores have been mentioned as possible successors.

Moody, who was appointed Sri Lanka coach in May 2005, has been tipped to return to Western Australia as coach, but could also be tempted by the England job.

The 41-year-old has developed Sri Lanka into one of the best one-day sides in the world. He would also command respect in the dressing room as a member of Australia's 1987 and 1999 World Cup-winning squads.

Moores is currently the England Academy Director and regarded as one of the best home-grown coaches in the game.

The former wicketkeeper joined Worcestershire in 1983 but his opportunities at New Road were limited by the ever-present David Humphries and he moved to Sussex two years later.

As coach, Moores led Sussex to the Division Two title in 2001. He followed that by guiding them to their first County Championship title in 164 years two years later.

Moores then became the England A' coach before succeeding former Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh as director of England's Academy two years ago.