GRAHAM GOOCH, the 43 year old former England captain, has emerged as favourite to succeed Raymond Illingworth as chairman of selectors after announcing that he would he prepared to bring his cricket career to an end, a condition that would almost certainly he imposed on any candidate for the job who was still playing full time.

His closest rival, David Graveney, withdrew his interest yesterday after conceding that the most could act in conflict with his role as secretary of the Professional Cricketers Association.

Although still playing for Essex, Gooch was a selector last year, under Illingworth's chairmanship, and had expressed an interest in taking over the role next season. Now, in stating his readiness to end a long and illustrious career that goes hack to his first class debut 23 years ago, he has given the firmest indication that he is not just dabbling.

Yesterday, Gooch admitted that he had been mulling the matter over for some while. "I am contracted to play for Essex next season," he said, "but I would have to give the matter serious thought if I was approached to be chairman of selectors. I don't think that it is possible both to be a player and serve as chairman.

Richard Little, media relations officer for the Test and County Cricket Board, admitted that Gooch would certainly be a strong candidate when the sixman England management committee announces its decision next March.

"Two further members have to be elected to the new committee which won't be in place until the England, and Wales Cricket Board comes into being in January, said Little. "But the general view is, that a chairman of selectors will not he appointed until the spring. We would want him in place by then because the chairman is crucial to the choice of the other selectors. But I'm certain Graham Gooch will be in the running for the job, although there are sure to be other candidates as well.

Gooch also received the backing of the PCA, who earlier had, decided not to endorse any application from Graveney because of foreseen conflict of interest.

"No one is objecting to Gooch," said vice president Tim Curtis.