England caretaker Paul Farbrace has insisted that he is open to the idea of becoming coach on a permanent basis.

Farbrace will lead the team in a two-Test series against New Zealand starting this Thursday, having been left in temporary charge following the sacking of Peter Moores earlier this month.

Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie has been heavily linked with the vacant role, but Farbrace has hinted that he would accept the position if his caretaker spell goes well.

However, the 47-year-old admitted that England would need to improve if they are to beat New Zealand in the upcoming series, having only managed a draw with the West Indies in their last outing.

"I'll give this opportunity a really good go, and if at the end something happens, then great," Farbrace told BBC Sport.

"We know we need to play better and finish games off. The Caribbean series was a prime case in point. At no stage have we hidden away or made excuses. We have a good group of players and we feel there are exciting times ahead.

"We were all very disappointed to see Peter move on, he was very popular. Jason Gillespie is a brilliant guy, he's done a great job at Yorkshire. He's a very good manager of people, he keeps it very simple and he keeps the game in perspective."

The upcoming series against New Zealand will be England's final one before the Ashes get underway in July.