Farbrace: Hard to say no to England

Farbrace, who was Peter Moores' assistant before the former Lancashire coach was sacked just over a week ago, is in control for the two-Test series against New Zealand which starts on Thursday.

Asked if he fancied the top job permanently, he said on BBC Radio Five Live: "It would be very hard to say no to it wouldn't it? It really would.

"I've got this chance to work with the England team for this series against New Zealand and I'm just going to give it a really good go. I'm going to enjoy it, make the most of it, have a lot of fun doing it and, if at the end of it something happens, great, if it doesn't, well, no problem, but I will certainly have enjoyed my time doing it."

Farbrace, who had a spell coaching Sri Lanka last year before becoming Moores' number two, explained that the England and Wales Cricket Board's new director Andrew Strauss had asked him to look after the team and the 47-year-old is keen to provide some stability after the upheaval of recent weeks.

He remains confident England have enough quality within their ranks, despite only managing to draw their last series against the West Indies, adding: "I'm really excited by the Test match at Lord's.

"We think we've got a very good group of players, we think we've got a good side and we're looking forward to the game."

Yorkshire head coach Jason Gillespie is the favourite for the England position, although told BBC Sport it would take some "persuading" to make him take the job.

On Gillespie, Farbrace said: " He's a brilliant guy, he's a lovely fella and he really has done a great job at Yorkshire."