Cricket Buzz: Farbrace resigns as Sri Lanka coach, set for England job

Sri Lanka head coach Paul Farbrace has resigned and is set to take up the position of assistant coach of England, Sri Lanka Cricket said on Tuesday.

Farbrace made it known to Sri Lanka Cricket that he no longer wanted to continue with his present position after being offered the chance to become assistant to England's newly-appointed coach Peter Moores.

He had served only four months of his two-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket during which time he led them to the World Twenty20 title in Bangladesh.

"We had talks with Paul and tried to convince him to stay because of the valuable contribution he has made to Sri Lanka cricket during his short tenure," Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Nishantha Ranatunga said.

"Paul wanted time till today to reach a final decision and he has tended his resignation."

Farbrace's name was linked to Moores when the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) began interviewing a list of candidates to succeed Andy Flower.

He had returned to England for the Easter weekend after Sri Lanka's success in the World T20 and although not among thecandidates was subsequently interviewed by ECB.

"The (executive committee) will have to sit down and discuss how best we can find a suitable replacement for Farbrace for the tour to England which starts on the first week of May," said Ranatunga.

Current batting coach Marvan Atapattu, who applied for the head coach's job with Farbrace, seems the likely choice.

Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence has tied up with Bishen Bedi Cricket Coaching Trust to provide world class training facilities to budding cricketers.

Under this alliance, cricket camps will be conducted across the country to select a team that will further be taken to different countries to expose the young cricketers to the international cricket scenario.

Sharing his excitement on the alliance, Yuvraj Singh said, "It is a moment of great pride and honour as my own guru has joined hands with my academy. Bishan Paaji has not only taught me the game but has installed human values to be grounded in life as well.

"I would like to see more and more young learn from him and become better sportsmen. I am yet to meet more passionate and dedicated coach who works at grassroots level and promote young talent."

The first camp will be organised on the outskirts of Nangal in Punjab, which will be supervised by Bedi. The association has also made special provisions for kids from financially unstable backgrounds to receive an opportunity to enhance their talent.