TOM Moody has been tipped to take on an international coaching role -- this time with Sri Lanka.

Worcestershire's highly regarded director of cricket was contacted unofficially by Sri Lanka Cricket last week to fill the job vacated by fellow Australian John Dyson.

Moody is believed to be a frontline contender for the role along with fellow Aussies Greg Chappell, Allan Border and current Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore.

The 39-year-old has made it clear that he wants an international role and he an-nounced earlier this year that he would be interested in the England job if Duncan Fletcher quit following the Ashes series.

A clause in Moody's County contract, which expires this summer, allows him to leave New Road for an international post.

However, the former all-rounder admits no formal approach has been made from Sri Lanka's cricket authorities.

Moody said: "I have been contacted by somebody at Sri Lanka Cricket but there's been no formal approach.

"That's how it stands at the moment. My concern right now is with Worcestershire and getting the side in good shape."

Worcestershire's chief executive Mark Newton said the County will not stand in the way of Moody's international ambitions.

Newton said: "There is a clause in his contract that allows him to talk to international teams at any time and if he so wishes to take that further, we have no problem with that."

Meanwhile, Worcestershire will not rush Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar into action after he was overlooked for his country's forthcoming tour to the West Indies.

Shoaib's County contract begins on July 1 and Sri Lankan Chaminda Vaas will remain with the club until then.

A wet outfield ruled out a prompt start to Worcestershire's C&G Trophy first round clash with Scotland in Edinburgh today.