Seven Things facing Paul Farbrace

19 May 2015 09:46

Coach Paul Farbrace will take caretaker charge of England for two Investec Tests against New Zealand, starting on Thursday at Lord's. Here, Press Association Sport considers seven things he needs to get right:

IGNORE THE IRRELEVANCES - Of which there are many. England's search for a new head coach above him, Peter Moores' sacking, Kevin Pietersen of course . none will play a part at Lord's or Headingley, unless they are allowed to.

CLEAR THE AIR - Distractions can only help England lose. Farbrace's team must set aside all that has happened off the field in the past month, but unspoken baggage hangs around. One honest discussion, and statement of intent, may do the trick.

BACK THE CAPTAIN COME WHAT MAY - Alastair Cook appears to be returning to form, and will be the foundation of any success England have this summer. Coach and captain will devise plans together. Some will work, some not - but once the management pair make a decision, they must be seen to have faith in one another's judgment.

COOK'S TEAM, THOUGH - The captain will get most flak if England start to struggle. If Farbrace can give him the confidence to follow his hunches, Cook can start to disprove those who insist England are formulaic and still constrained by statistics.

OWN THE CROWD - Home advantage will be marginal rather than necessarily decisive against tourists used to similar conditions. If James Anderson gets swing, for example, so will Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Lord's is traditionally not the most responsive venue, but if England give their supporters something to cheer early they can make New Zealand feel ill at ease after all.

KNOW YOUR OWN MIND - New England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss has said he and Farbrace are agreed he is cut out to be an assistant, not a head coach. Farbrace does not need to tell anyone yet if he thinks any different, but could store up trouble if he is not honest with himself about the extent of his ambition.

WIN - State the obvious, why don't you? But this is the bottom line. If England can start the Ashes summer well, against awkward and talented opposition, Farbrace has bought himself instant breathing space and much-needed goodwill. The rest is details.

Source: PA