London, May 25 (IANS): Australian Trevor Bayliss has edged past compatriot Jason Gillespie to be offered the position of England cricket team's head coach ahead of the Ashes, say reports.

Bayliss spent the weekend negotiating with England Director of Cricket Andrew Strauss after initially appearing to be reluctant in taking up the job. But after receiving a concrete offer with a bulky pay package too good to turn down, Strauss has landed his man after a proper interview process, reports mirror.co.uk.

The 52-year-old has got a proven track record as an international coach, managing Sri Lanka for four years and was instrumental in their success at the 2011 World Cup where he led them to the final.

As the current head coach at New South Wales, he has led them to the Sheffield Shield title while also clinching the Big Bash League with Sydney Sixers. He has helped the Kolkata Knight Riders to an Indian Premier League title, confirming his quality when it comes to the shorter version of the game, something England desperately need to improve.

His appointment will come as a bit of a surprise after Gillespie appeared to be the front-runner, but with a young family, the former Australian fast bowler remained concerned at the amount of time he would be spending away.

The decision by Strauss will end weeks of speculation following the sacking of Peter Moores-who had a dismal World Cup as England were knocked out from the group stages.