'I'll have a crack': Warne open to coaching Australia

This week's confirmation that Darren Lehmann would step down as coach of the Australian international teams after the 2019 Ashes has introduced speculation on who could take over.

And while a number of Sheffield Shield coaches are in the running, one all-time great has thrown his hat into the ring -- if the situation is right.

Shane Warne has revealed he is open to exploring the opportunity after stints as a specialist coach in the past.

"I've always been open to any country, but obviously I would love to coach Australia," Warne told Channel Nine.

"Not coach Australia, but be part of the Australian setup if they needed it."

The 48-year-old splits his years between the southern and northern hemispheres, commentating on Australian and English home summers.

But he has conceded a change could be on the cards come 2019.

"We've got so many good coaches around, so many good batting coaches, bowling coaches and people on offer," Warne said.

"So, if the opportunity ever arose yeah, look, maybe interested, for sure.

"It just all depends on the time. If Boof (Lehmann) has had enough, maybe he'll say, 'Do you want to have a go?'

"I'll have a crack."

Lehmann outlined his plans to Fox Sports on Monday, declaring the English summer season in 18 months' time will be his last hurrah.

Australia will seek to defend their World Cup title in the first half of the 2019 tour before playing the next Ashes series.

"That will be it," Lehmann said when asked whether he will seek a new contract beyond 2019.

"It will be a case of too much time, too much travel."

Lehmann has been at the helm since the 2013 Ashes when he replaced sacked coach Mickey Arthur following a disastrous tour of India.

Australia have won two Ashes series at home and lost two in England under Lehmann, while also winning the 2015 World Cup at home.

with AFP