Former Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram believes that England's new coach Trevor Bayliss will have a significant influence on the Alastair Cook-led team, opining that the latter will help make the Ashes a closely-fought affair.
Akram, who has worked with Bayliss during his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, praised the Australian's impressive coaching module and said that his experience with Sri Lanka and New South Wales would help him in the Ashes.
The former left-hander also said that Bayliss would give a positive mindset to England, besides spicing it with the 'Australian touch of aggression', making the Ashes more competitive, Sport24 reported.
Akram added that the upcoming Ashes series would not be a one-sided affair despite Australia starting out as hot favourites.
Under the tutelage of Bayliss, Sri Lanka had reached the World Cup 2011 final. He will start his England stint with the first Ashes Test at Cardiff on July 8.
