Tuesday 23 June 2015 13:22, UK
Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram believes England's new coach Trevor Bayliss will help make the Ashes a closer contest despite Australia starting out as warm favourites to retain the urn.
Wasim, who was bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League while Bayliss was head coach, reckons the Australian's cool and collected approach will serve England well.
Bayliss will start his coaching role with England ahead of the first Ashes Test which starts in Cardiff on July 8.
"He keeps it simple and his coaching module is very impressive," Wasim said.
"At this level it should always be simple and Bayliss keeps it that way and I am sure his experience with Sri Lanka and New South Wales will help him in the Ashes.
"I am sure he will give a positive mindset to England besides spicing it with the Australian touch of aggression and that will make the Ashes more competitive. I am sure it will not be a one-sided affair."
Australia won the last Ashes series 5-0 on home soil last year, and Wasim still expects them to prevail despite the presence of Bayliss in the England camp.
"There is no doubt Australia start as favourites because they have bowlers who can bowl at 90mph and that gives them an edge," he said.
"England will have to play out of their skins and they are rebuilding the side which will face tough times against Australia and it will be necessary to be at your best every hour and every session because Australia always play tough."
Wasim has also tipped Steve Smith, the current No 1 world ranking Test batsman, to shine for Australia.
"Smith doesn't talk less than a hundred and he will be the key to Australian batting once again," he said.
