Flower is Rhodes' second choice

Flower averaged over 50 for Zimbabwe in Test cricket

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes is tipping Andy Flower to become the next England coach - if Tom Moody does not fancy the job.

"If it was my decision I would go with Tom Moody because of his experience," Rhodes told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"But I'm not sure he will want to do it and, if he doesn't, I think Andy Flower should be given a go."

Flower, 40, was appointed by the now sacked Peter Moores as England's assistant coach in May 2007.

And Rhodes reckons the former Essex and Zimbabwe batsman, who had two spells as captain of his country during a 63-Test career, could handle the top job.

"I think he's got good credentials to do the job," said Rhodes. "He's worked his way up to a number two and he's well respected in the way he played his cricket and his coaching.

"He lacks a bit of coaching experience but he'd be in line for the job."

Rhodes still feels his former county colleague Moody would be his ideal choice to replace Moores. And the giant Western Australian has not yet ruled himself out of the running.

Moody, who spent two years in charge of Sri Lanka after handing over the New Road reins to Rhodes, is currently in charge of his native Western Australia.

And, although he insists the England and Wales Cricket Board have not yet been in touch, he claimed he would mull over any offer in this Ashes year.

"Obviously a lot has gone on in English cricket," he said. "I've had no formal approach and, until I do, I don't need to really think or consider anything.

"I'm very happy here in Perth, the family is settled, I've got a great job, I'm enjoying what I'm doing and I've got no reason to be looking further afield,

"But, in this day and age, you're not going to turn your back on any opportunity.

Moody was thought to be a contender before Moores was appointed in 2007 but claims he was not formally approached by the ECB.

"It's a bit like 2007," he said. "A similar thing happened.

"There was no formal approach but there was a lot of beat up that I was one of the favourites for the job but I didn't speak to anyone about it."