Paul Farbrace believes whoever replaces him as Yorkshire’s second-team coach will be taking on one of the best jobs in county cricket.

Farbrace’s departure from Headingley to take up a two-year contract as head coach of the Sri Lankan national team from January 1 was confirmed today.

The 46-year-old, a former assistant coach of Sri Lanka, spent two years with Yorkshire after moving from Kent ahead of the 2012 season.

He has admitted that his decision to return to international cricket was a tough one because of how much he has enjoyed his time with the White Rose county – but ultimately he could not turn the opportunity down.

“Whoever gets the job is coming into one of the best jobs in county cricket,” said Farbrace.

“Coaching Yorkshire’s second team when you’ve got such a thriving Academy that’s one the best in the country, if not the world, a first-team coach who is willing to play those players when there’s opportunities available and the quality of senior players who get the odd game in the seconds means that you’re very lucky.

“Whoever comes in has got really good people around them.

“One of the reasons I came here was to get back to hands-on coaching, which I didn’t feel I was doing at Kent. I feel that’s happened here and I’ve really enjoyed it.

“I also wanted to learn from (Yorkshire director of professional cricket) Martyn Moxon, which I feel I’ve done. His knowledge of county cricket and knowledge of coaching is as good as anybody’s.

“I didn’t know Dizzy (first-team coach Jason Gillespie) at all and we’ve developed a really close friendship. That, to me, has added to the amount that I’ve learnt.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity for me but the disappointment is that I think Yorkshire are on the verge of great things. In the two years that I’ve been here, I’ve seen the club grow on and off the field.”

Gillespie is understandably sad to see his trusted lieutenant move on.

“Farbs has been a wonderful coach and a friend to all of us during the last couple of years,” he said.

“We’ve loved having him around. All the lads are really pleased for him but it is our loss and certainly Sri Lanka’s gain.

“He’s very good at dealing with people and he’s a fantastic technical and tactical coach. Sri Lanka Cricket are very lucky to have him.”

Yorkshire will begin their search for a new second-team coach imminently, while Farbrace’s first assignment is in the United Arab Emirates.