Paul Farbrace has signalled his intention to succeed Trevor Bayliss when the Australian’s contract with the ECB expires after next year’s Cricket World Cup.
The England assistant coach said it would not be an issue for him should Andrew Strauss split the head coach role up to specialise in the Test and limited-over formats.
Working under Bayliss after holding the same position during Peter Moores‘ second stint in charge, Farbrace has been a driving force behind England turning from World Cup flops in 2015 to the tournament favourites four years later.
Tightening their hold on the No.1 ODI ranking after a 5-0 series whitewash against Australia, former Kent and Middlesex wicketkeeper Farbrace was asked if he was ready for the senior post should he be part of the interview process for Bayliss’ successor.
“Of course,” he said, “if come next September I ended up being offered the position that would be great.”
“If Strauss said we want to offer you the job, or split it between formats and me look after one of the teams, it would be so difficult to say no to that – it really would.
England’s dominance in ODIs has been reflected by their 4-1 tour victory to Australia following the Ashes and the start of the year. And after a whitewash on home soil regathering the momentum lost in the defeat against Scotland, Farbrace leads his men into a solitary T20 international against Justin Langer’s side on Wednesday.
Bayliss hands over the reins in order to spend time watching England Lions in matches against West Indies A and India A, while also taking to the county circuit for scouting purposes. The ECB confirmed Farbrace will also be in charge of the T20s when India tour England in August.
The picture to replace Bayliss continues to take shape with Chris Silverwood the two leading candidates as things stand.
