Captaincy a ‘dream come true’
PAUL Farbrace is “thrilled” by the prospect of leading Warwickshire into a new era.
Farbrace has been England’s assistant coach since 2014 but will leave the national set-up at the end of the tour of West Indies next month.
England have won the Ashes and risen to world No.1 in 50-over cricket during Farbrace’s time in a role which he took on after leading Sri Lanka to the World T20 title early in 2014.
One of the most highly-respected coaches and people in world cricket, the 51-year-old has decided the time is right to swap the treadmill of the international game for a new challenge.
That challenge will be based in Birmingham, at a stadium he has always loved visiting with England, and with a club and a group of people he already knows well and for whom he has great respect.
“It has been an absolute honour to have worked with, and enjoyed success with, two great international teams,” Farbrace said. “For someone who never came close to playing
GOLF: Steve Stricker will captain the United States at the 2020 Ryder Cup in his home state of Wisconsin.
Stricker, who lives just over two hours away from the host venue of Whistling Straits, has made three appearances in the biennial contest as a player, most recently when losing all four of his matches in Europe’s victory at Medinah in 2012.
The 51-year-old, Steve Stricker who will celebrate his birthday on Saturday, was a vicecaptain at each of the last three Ryder Cups and also led the United States to victory in the 2017 Presidents Cup in New Jersey.
An emotional Stricker was close to tears as he told a press conference what it means to him to be handed the task of regaining the Ryder Cup.
“Truly a dream come true, an honour to represent the PGA, the competition itself, truly humbled by this opportunity because I’m very passionate about this competition,” he said.
“Some people don’t think I’m very fiery about playing the game of golf but deep down I’m very competitive, we want to win this more than ever.”
nTENNIS: Kyle Edmund has split from coach Fredrik Rosengren, who is retiring from the tour to spend more time with his family.
The British No.1 linked up with the hugely experienced Swede late in the 2016 season and, under the guidance of Rosengren, went on a stunning run to the semi-finals of the Australian Open last January.
He backed up that performance with a terrific 2018, climbing to a high of 14 in the world rankings after winning his first ATP Tour title in Antwerp last October.
Edmund said: “I am very thankful for the time we have spent together. As a team we have hit great heights, such as a top-15 ranking, a grand slam semi-final and a title in Antwerp in October, and I will be forever grateful.”
Edmund, 24, must now decide whether to seek a replacement or stick solely with his other coach, Englishman Mark Hilton.
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