Cricket Scotland say they face a fight to cling on to coach Andy Moles, fuelling speculation that he will be returning to Warwickshire as coach next season.

In the clearest indication yet that Moles will be the man to succeed John Inverarity at Edgbaston, Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith has claimed that several English counties are trying to lure their man from north of the border.

Smitjh said: "If it comes down to finance, we simply can't compete with the counties but Andy is keen to stay and we hope he will. It's inevitable that counties will show an interest in him and September is normally a merry-go-round for coaching staff."

Moles' stature as a coach has grown sharply in recent months. He has overseen Scotland's qualification for the 2007 World Cup and helped his side to a couple of victories in this year's totesport League, including one over Warwickshire. His contract with Scotland expires next month.

As a key member of Warwickshire's successful side of the mid-1990s, he would seem to tick all the right boxes as the club's next coach. However, the opportunity to lead a side in the World Cup may prove hard to resist. Certainly, Scotland are hoping it proves decisive.

Smith said: "While we can't compete financially, we can offer a very attractive package and the opportunity to coach a side at the World Cup.

"Hopefully, that's what will swing it but, at the end of the day, it will be Andy's call. If he decides to go, it will be with our best wishes and thanks for what he has done during his time here."

However, Smith also suggested that Warwickshire were not the only county courting Moles. He said: "As many as seven English sides could be on the lookout for a new coach and Andy could be on the list of a few of them. Andy has been very open with us about what is happening."

Moles has previously said that he would love to return to Edgbaston. "It's no secret that I have a lot of affection for Warwickshire," he said after his side's one-wicket victory at Stratford.

"I had a wonderful time here as a player and, if the chance arose to coach the side, I'd be delighted but I've always said I'd love to be a coach at any of the 18 counties."

Other candidates include Rod Marsh and John Wright while another option is Tim Munton becoming director of cricket, with batting and bowling coaches answering to him.

Meanwhile, Ashley Giles said yesterday he has the mind-set to bounce back for England against Australia in the second Test match at Edgbaston, beginning on Thursday.

Warwickshire'e left-arm orthodox spinner was widely criticised after the Australians hit him for more than five runs an over for the duration of his 11 overs in the first Test. Despite failing to take a wicket, he has retained his place in the 12-man squad named yesterday.

He said: "I am looking to perform better in this Test. I have shown in the past I can bounce back and I hope that will continue.

"Criticism can hurt but you have choices. You can either lie down and give up or step back up to the plate and get on with it. That's what I intend to do."

Giles believes many people are taking pleasure out of watching England fail.

"It is certainly a lot easier game for past cricketers and even present cricketers sitting on the sidelines," he said.

"Guys who are not in the team are always a lot better than those who are. That is just the nature of the game, as it is in any sport.

"I think at the time you have to wonder if they want us to win, because of the level of support you get. Someone who thoroughly wants you to win will back you to the hilt.

"The criticism was quite excessive and a typical hero to zero sort of mentality we have in this country. All along we have said that we had to be at our best if we are to beat Australia in the first Test and we weren't."

Giles is quietly confident England can turn things around this week, saying: " It is important a team that has been guilty of defeat stands up and takes responsibility.

"It is nice the selectors have given us the chance to come back to try to win the next Test. We did let ourselves down because we had windows of opportunity. We just have to be sharper in certain areas. If we do that, then we can push Australia.