Worcestershire court Farbrace for coach vacancy

Paul Farbrace has been targeted by Worcestershire as an ideal candidate for the role of head coach.

ESPNcricinfo understands that Farbrace, the England assistant coach, has been contacted by the club with a view to replacing Steve Rhodes.

It is far from the first time a county has attempted to lure Farbrace away from England. Both Surrey and Yorkshire have made approaches in recent times and he has a long-standing relationship with Kent, the club where he played and coached for several years.

It would be a surprise if he leaves the England role now, though. He has been heavily involved in revitalising the limited-overs side with a view to leading them into the 2019 World Cup. He is also unlikely to want to leave on a low such as a resounding Ashes defeat.

It is understood Worcestershire also contacted Graeme Hick, who showed little interest in the role, and Nic Pothas, who is currently working with Sri Lanka. Andy Flower has so far declined to confirm rumours that he, too, had been contacted with a view to talking about the role though in many ways it would be odd if he hadn't. Vikram Solanki, the club's former captain and a man recently interviewed for the CEO role, is also thought to be in the frame.

Rhodes was sacked a few weeks ago after it emerged he had failed to report the arrest of Alex Hepburn, a young player in the staff, in connection with a rape. Hepburn has subsequently been charged.