MARTYN MOXON has backed Peter Moores and Paul Farbrace to spark a revival in England’s fortunes.

The Yorkshire director of cricket has revealed his sympathy for outgoing limited overs coach Ashley Giles, who many thought was a racing cert for the all-encompassing job until the recent World Twenty20 defeat against the Netherlands.

But, even so, he has given the thumbs up to the appointment of Lancashire’s Moores as head coach and Farbrace as his assistant, the latter which could be confirmed by the ECB today.

Ex-Yorkshire second XI coach Farbrace yesterday resigned from his position as Sri Lanka’s head coach after a successful three-month tenure.

“To be honest, I think there’s a bit of work to be done,” said Moxon.

“Clearly, replacing Swann is going to be the most difficult - replacing KP as well. They’re not easy to replace. It looks like Trotty’s not going to be available either. They’re three big pairs of shoes to fill.

“I think they have to expect a bit of a transitional period, but I think for me the England team’s in good hands, that’s for sure.

"I think Mooresy's brilliant. I feel a little bit sorry for Ashley because I think he's been a victim of circumstance. I think he’s a good bloke and a good coach.

“I think he’s been tarnished unfairly - too tarnished - given the circumstances. I think it was a difficult situation he was in.

“He’s had the situation when he first took over that he didn’t always have his best players available to him because they were being rested for Test cricket. Obviously, then after the winter, it was a tough time to try and reignite England’s fortunes.

“I have got sympathy for him. But, by the same token, I think Mooresy is a top man as well, and I think it’s good that he’s getting another opportunity.

“He knows the game inside out, he’s had success, so he knows what it takes to win. You speak to the players who have worked under him, and they will tell you what a motivational guy he is. He gets the best out of them.

“He’s had more experience since he was (last) with England, and I think that’s something you learn over time. Situations crop up, and difficult situations crop up. If he made some mistakes last time, I’m sure he will have learnt from them.”

Since leaving Yorkshire for Sri Lanka in December, Farbrace has overseen a Test series win in Bangladesh, a one-day Asia Cup triumph and success at the World Twenty20 earlier this month.

“What a few months he’s had! I’m delighted for Farby,” added Moxon.

“He’s got the capability of coaching all aspects of the game. His enthusiasm for the game is unbelievable, and he’s going to be ideal for that role. Together, it will be a really strong partnership.

“They’re two cricketing people who are really good blokes. They won’t stand any rubbish, but they make the players feel good. They’ve got that nice balance of having authority, but not being too rigid.”

Jonny Bairstow was having a scan last night on his broken ring finger on his left hand. He suffered the injury a fortnight ago, but could be back quicker than the initial prognosis of six weeks out.

Tim Bresnan has also been pencilled in to play in Yorkshire’s second XI three-day match against Lancashire at Headingley, starting on Monday, having been rested on England orders.

He should return to first-team colours in the LV= County Championship match against Durham at Emirates Durham the following Sunday.