FARBRACE TO LEAVE ENGLAND FOR WARWICKSHIRE
Paul Farbrace is leaving his position as England’s assistant coach to take Ashley Giles’ old job in charge of Warwickshire.
Farbrace has been an influential backroom figure with the national side over the past five years but, with head coach Trevor Bayliss planning to step down when his contract expires in December, Farbrace faced an uncertain future.
He will now take the role of sport director at Edgbaston, the role vacated by Giles when he became managing director of the England men’s team in December.
Farbrace, the former Kent and Middlesex wicketkeeper, joined the England set-up under Peter Moores in 2014 and took over as interim coach after the latter’s sacking the following year.
“I have been fortunate to taste some genuine success and be part of the development of some excellent players,” he said.
“I wish them every success. I believe they have the right attributes to create history by lifting the World Cup in July and winning the Ashes that follows it.
“There is never a great time to leave an international set-up and, despite what will be a fantastic summer for English cricket, it would have been tough for me to have turned down the opportunity once Warwickshire showed an interest in me.”
Giles, who must now decide whether to appoint a short-term replacement before the appointment of a new head coach, paid tribute.
“I would like to thank Paul for all his efforts over the last five years as a key figure in England’s success,” he said.