Graham Gooch has committed to coaching England's batsmen on a full-time basis, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Saturday.

The former England captain has served as a consultant since November 2009, but will be employed as a full-time batting coach from March 5, when England begin their preparations for the Test series in Sri Lanka.

"I am delighted to be taking on the role of England batting coach on a full-time basis," said the 58-year-old, who will coach the centrally-contracted players as well as other batsmen selected for England squads.

"I will now have the opportunity to spend a lot more time with the players and other coaches both in the build-up to series and during the series themselves.

"I firmly believe that with the talent we have at the moment within the batting unit and those pressing for places we can continue to develop and improve as a side, which is a very exciting prospect."

England team director Andy Flower welcomed the development.

"Graham has an excellent relationship with our batsmen and is already an important part of our management team so I am very pleased that he will be joining us on a full-time basis," said Flower.

"We have a challenging period of cricket ahead of us and I am very much looking forward to continuing to work closely with Graham as we look to improve across all formats of the game."

Graham Thorpe will continue in his role as ECB lead batting coach, which involves working with batsmen on the England performance programme and those selected for England Lions.