England appear to be stepping up their search for a new coach after 'face-to-face' conversations between front-runner Jason Gillespie and Andrew Strauss.
Former Australia fast bowler Gillespie has confirmed discussions with England and Wales Cricket Board director Strauss, adding too that he has been told he is still just one of several contenders to replace the sacked Peter Moores.
Paul Farbrace, Moores' former assistant, is in charge on a caretaker basis for the ongoing first Investec Test against New Zealand at Lord's where, after two days, the tourists moved into position to push for a significant first-innings lead.
Yorkshire coach Gillespie remains strong favourite to take over, with an announcement likely before next week's second Test at Headingley.
He told Sky Sports News: "I've spoken to Andrew and the ECB about the vacant position.
"They it made it very clear they're chatting to a number of people of interest, so they'll let us know what the process is in due course.
"It was face-to-face (with Strauss), and we had a good chat - and we'll see what pans out from there."
On the field, England could only rue missed chances as New Zealand's batsmen took control.
The Kiwi top four were dominant, openers Martin Guptill and Tom Latham and then third-wicket pair Kane Williamson (92no) and Ross Taylor sharing stands of 148 and an unbroken 155.
The upshot was a stumps total of 303 for two in reply to 389 all out.
England's bowlers kept their discipline for the most part but failed to find the swing which had helped their opposite numbers reduce the hosts to 30 for four at one stage 24 hours earlier.
They therefore needed to take their opportunities, but passed up three - Guptill (70) edging a no-ball to slip and Latham (59) dropped in the cordon, both in the 20s, while Stuart Broad missed a throw at the stumps in his follow-through which would have run out Taylor on nought.
Moeen Ali admitted cause for regret.
"We're obviously a little bit disappointed," said the off-spinner.
"Maybe (we could have bowled) a little bit better.
"(But) we didn't field very well.
"If we took those chances. it would have been a different game.
"But they played really well. It's a flat pitch when the sun's out, and it's difficult to bowl at good players."
England can only hope therefore that, with the second new ball available after just three more overs, they make the most of it.
Moeen added: "It's going to be flat again tomorrow, so the new ball will be key.
"We'll have to pick ourselves up, and know it's very important to strike with that new ball.
"We need two or three wickets early."
As for his own bowling, despite just Latham's wicket at the cost of 52 runs, he was encouraged after struggling on his return from injury during two Tests in England's drawn series in the West Indies.
"It was better today. I was pretty happy with the way it was coming out," he added.
"I felt like there was a bit more rhythm.
"I was fully fit in Grenada and Barbados, but just didn't bowl very well."
Source: PA
