Steve Waugh has not ruled out coaching South Africa on its tour of Australia next summer.

The Proteas head to Australia in December to play three Tests and a one-day series.

South African captain Graeme Smith has spoken of his desire to get an Australian coach to help his side through the minefield of cricket’s toughest tour.

Waugh, a player who has done more than any other to sink South Africa’s fortunes since it returned to world cricket in 1991, could be the man for the job.

Three former Australian Test cricketers are believed to be on the shortlist to take over from present coach Ray Jennings: Waugh, former opening batsman Geoff Marsh and dual World Cup-winning all-rounder Tom Moody.

Marsh coached Australia and Zimbabwe but is now doing a newspaper delivery round in Perth. Moody is coaching English county side Worcestershire.

Waugh has made no secret of his desire to remain involved with cricket since his retirement from his 168-Test career in January last year.

He coached the World XI in the tsunami fundraiser against the Asian XI at the MCG last month.

Waugh’s manager Robert Joske said his client would be open to the idea. "It is something we would consider. We haven’t heard from South African cricket authorities in relation to the job.

"But if an approach was made, or the opportunity arose, we would definitely sit down and talk it through."

South Africa lost its recent home series 2-1 to England and Waugh would be the county’s third coach in just over a year.