Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody has withdrawn from the race to succeed John Buchanan as Australia's next coach, leaving Tim Nielsen as the likely candidate for the job.

Moody, a former Australia test and one-day international player, was interviewed by Cricket Australia but told them he was not interested in the position.

"I just felt the timing wasn't right," Moody told the Sunday Telegraph.

"I had to think long and hard about it but from a personal point of view it wasn't right and I wanted to let Cricket Australia know as soon as possible."

Moody, 41, has also been mentioned as a possible successor to England [Images] coach Duncan Fletcher should he step down after the World Cup, but the Australian said his only concern was with Sri Lanka.

"Sri Lanka is my main focus and this had started to become a bit of a distraction to myself and the team, which is the last thing it needs in the countdown to the World Cup," he said.

"It was a bit unfair on the team and my employers because my focus at the moment has to be on preparing the side for the World Cup."

Buchanan is standing down as Australia coach after this year's World Cup in the Caribbean with Nielsen, head coach at Australia's Centre of Excellence, regarded as the favourite to replace him.