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Bob Woolmer, the coach of South Africa, has withdrawn his name from the list of contenders to succeed David Lloyd as the coach of the England team.

The path is now clear for Woolmer to return to Warwickshire, where he has worked with great success in the past.

As three men were interviewed for the job at Lord's yesterday, Woolmer decided that his candidature could not go forward.

``I am flattered by the attention I have been given by England and also by other countries,'' he said.

``However, I feel I need time to reflect on my position after the World Cup as, after five years on the road, I desperately need some rest.

``It is only fair that England appoint somebody immediately as I would not be available until next March. I hope to be involved in English cricket in future but in the middle of trying to win the World Cup for South Africa, it is not the time for me to consider taking on another permanent international role.''

Woolmer's withdrawal will disappoint the England and Wales Cricket Board, who declined to renew Lloyd's contract in the hope that Woolmer would be available. Simon Pack, the board's international teams director, flew to Cape Town in April to find out whether Woolmer would be interested in the job.

The men interviewed yesterday were Duncan Fletcher, Dav Whatmore and Jack Birkenshaw. Fletcher is likely to be named on Monday, when Nasser Hussain is expected to be appointed as the new captain.