Farbrace: Batsmen need to get stuck in

PAUL FARBRACE has called for the senior batsmen to take a leaf out of Jimmy Anderson’s book as England try to salvage dignity from a disastrous third Test.

set 521 in two days and nine overs, England ended the third day on 23 without loss, and assistant coach Farbrace agreed that their best hope lies in their big- name batsmen setting the example.

‘That’s what you’re looking for,’ he said. ‘I thought Jimmy Anderson showed that with the ball today. He showed why he is the best seam bowler in world cricket. you’re looking for Cook, Root and stokes to get stuck in and show they are top-quality players.’

But after another mediocre performance from England’s slip cordon, Farbrace said the fielding had to improve.

‘ When bowlers are creating opportunities and catches are being dropped, that must be soul-destroying,’ he said.

‘no one means to drop catches, but we’re shelling too many. It hasn’t been good enough. We’ve been saying that for too long.’

Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow hopes that he might play a part in England’s rearguard, despite suffering a small break to his left middle finger while keeping wicket yesterday.

‘ It is a fracture but it’s not displaced and that is a big thing,’ he said. ‘We are hopeful that a bit more ice and some protection will help.’