Wright's record with India against Australia is impressive

The New Zealander's record against Australia as India coach included a 2-1 home Test series upset in 2001 and a drawn return series in 2003-04.

"We were looking for a coach to bring together a team at short notice to be ready to take on the world champions," said ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed.

Wright will be in charge for three one-day games and a six-day Test match.

I've enjoyed some tremendous battles with Australia over the years as both player and coach John Wright

His four-year spell with India came to an end in April, when he failed to agree a new contract and was replaced by Aussie Greg Chappell.

The series pits the side at the top of the ICC one-day and Test rankings against sides made up from the other nine Test-playing nations.

Of Wright's former India charges, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar are on the 20-man short-list for the Test match.

Final World XI one-day and Test squads will be announced on Tuesday.

England have three players in the 20-man world squad - Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison and Michael Vaughan.

And three players in the one-day squad, Flintoff, Harmison and Kevin Pietersen.

The squads will be trimmed to a 13-man Test squad and a 14-man one-day squad.

"I've enjoyed some tremendous battles with Australia over the years as both player and coach," said Wright.

"This is another outstanding opportunity to pit my wits and skills against them."