According to Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) general secretary Mahbub Anam, Australians Jamie Siddons and Richard McInnes and former Zimbabwe captain Dave Houghton have asked for a week's time to decide on their interview dates with the cricket board.

Mahbub said, "We have received several applications but we have kept these three (Siddons, McInnes and Houghton) as the main contenders. But due to technical and personal schedule issues, they will let us know the dates next week."

Meanwhile, Houghton quit his post as the director of cricket in English county Derbyshire though his contract expires only at the end of 2007.

"I am obviously disappointed to be leaving because I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here but this is the best way forward for both the club and myself," said Houghton.

"I hope to find another role in cricket before too long and wish Derbyshire every success for the future."

Club captain Simon Katich and the remaining coaching staff would take over Houghton's duties for the rest of the season. Derbyshire are currently languishing in the fifth spot of the second division of the county championship.

Houghton, who was Zimbabwe's first Test captain, later coached the national side as well as Worcester-shire.

He was sounded out by the Bangladesh board this June to be their national coach but at that time Houghton was reluctant to take up the job as he had relocated his family to England from Zimbabwe.