The Board of Control for Cricket in India is in talks with Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore to head its premier cricket academy in Bangalore.

It is learnt that the former Australian cricketer, under whose coaching Sri Lanka became the World champions in 1996, has had "numerous teleconferences" with Indian cricket officials in this regard.

The BCCI wants Whatmore to head the National Cricket Academy, which grooms young talents.

BCCI sources in Kolkata told rediff.com that "discussions are on, but there's been no final word yet from either side on the matter."

Whatmore's stint with Sri Lanka ends next month and the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka has made it clear that they will not ask the portly Aussie to continue.

There was some talk about Whatmore being hired as India's coach, but the BCCI has now decided to extend John Wright's tenure by a year.

"But, Whatmore's experience can be used in the NCA," the sources said.

The NCA was started in 2000. Former Australian wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh is a consultant at the academy.