By Callum Dent
Paul Farbrace is excited about the prospect of working alongside some “world-class cricketers” within the England camp.
The former Kent and Middlesex wicketkeeper-batsman left his job with Sri Lanka, who he led to World Twenty20 glory, to take on the role of England Assistant Coach last month.
Working alongside new Head Coach Peter Moores, Farbrace is now looking forward to getting to know the players at his disposal.
“The England cricket team is full of exciting, top-quality players,” he toldecb.co.uk.
“You look at the group that there is at the moment, you talk about (Alastair) Cook, (Ian) Bell, (James) Anderson, (Stuart) Broad, (Matt) Prior. You are talking about world-class cricketers there.
“Ian Bell, at the moment, is probably one of the top players in world cricket in all forms of the game. Cooky is a fantastic cricketer. Matt Prior had a tough winter, but still averages 40 with the bat.
“You look at Anderson and Broad. Broady's contribution in a tough winter was fantastic, with the ball it was absolutely magnificent.
“There are one or two younger guys that are coming through. (Joe) Root has done well, (Ben) Stokes looks a fantastic cricketer and there are so many good cricketers on the fringe. The England team has a lot of world-class players in it.”
The 46-year-old also hailed the impact the LV= County Championship has made on the national team.
With the standard of first-class cricket in England getting higher every year, Farbrace believes it is perfect platform to build an international career on.
Farbrace, who has had experience of county cricket during coaching spells with Kent and Yorkshire, added: “County cricket continues to prove it is one of the best first-class cricket structures in the world. Division One is a high-quality competition with a lot of good players.
“There are a lot of good players scoring runs and taking wickets. So people know there are opportunities to play for England and that is what Mooresy has been saying.
“If you perform well, the selectors are out there and they will select you to play for England. The opportunity to play for England is fantastic at the moment.”