YORKSHIRE are sifting through applications from all over the world from candidates interested in taking over as second team coach as a replacement for Paul Farbrace.

The position was advertised after Farbrace chose to take over as Sri Lanka’s new coach in December having helped young talent like Alex Lees progress into the first team during his tenure.

Since Farbrace’s shock announcement, many leading coaches and former players have been linked with the vacancy including former Derbyshire coach Karl Krikken, ex-Surrey and England leg-spinner Ian Salisbury and former Australian Test cricketer Marcus North.

Mal Loye, the former Northamptonshire, Lancashire and England batsman who is currently the cricket professional at Wellingborough School, is among those thought to have applied, and Yorkshire hope they can make an appointment by next month, so the new coach can start his duties before the start of the season.

“We’ve had a great response from applicants for the second team coaching role,” admitted Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire’s director of cricket.

“Applications have been coming in on a daily basis over the past weeks with interest from all over the world. We have some exceptional candidates and the interview process will be extremely challenging.

“I believe this is one of the most sought-after roles in county cricket.

“The ideal candidate will be working with some of the most talented youngsters in the country as we continue to develop pathways through to the first team.”

Under Farbrace, players like Lees, Jack Leaning, Matthew Fisher, Jonathan Tattersall, Ben Coad and Will Rhodes all progressed to the first team last season and Yorkshire have high hopes that other members of the Academy can go on to challenge for the first team.

In addition to his development responsibilities, the new second team coach will also be required to work alongside Jason Gillespie, Yorkshire’s head coach, to plan for the new season when the White Rose will hope to make amends for narrowly missing out on the division one title and make a more competitive challenge for one-day trophies.

“The role will also play a major part in our planning and strategy for all cricket as the new season approaches,” confirmed Moxon. “The second team coach will work closely with Jason in implementing strategy for one-day cricket.

“As in previous years, they will travel to all NatWest T20 Blast matches and drive our efforts in being a strong one-day outfit.”