The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced the appointment of Australian Trevor Bayliss as England's new Head Coach.
Bayliss will start his role next month, in time to take charge of the Ashes series against his native country in July.
Director of cricket, Andrew Strauss, who led the search for a new Head Coach said: "Trevor has an outstanding record as coach, has global experience and is very highly regarded in the game. He has proved himself in both domestic and international cricket, has a strong reputation for man-management and has shown how to build winning teams in all three formats."
Jason Gillespie was thought to be the favourite for the role but it is understood that Bayliss' success in the limited-overs format in which England have perennially struggled was crucial in his appointment.
Bayliss led Sri Lanka to the 2011 World Cup final as well as the 2009 World T20 final. On the domestic circuit, Bayliss has won the IPL twice with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012 and 2014 whilst winning the Big Bash and Champions League with Sydney Sixers in 2012.
Strauss confirmed Bayliss' experience in the limited overs format was crucial.
"His expertise in the shorter forms of the game will be vital as we build towards three major ICC events over the next four years; the ICC World T20 tournament in India in 2016 and the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Cricket World Cup which will be staged in England and Wales in 2017 and 2019 respectively."
Bayliss believes he is taking over a squad filled with talent and is excited by the prospect of reuniting with Paul Farbrace, as the duo worked together with Sri Lanka.
“It’s an honour to be appointed England Coach. There’s a great opportunity to help Alastair Cook and Eoin Morgan shape the direction and development of their respective teams. I am also looking forward to working alongside Paul Farbrace once again as we have a similar outlook on the game, get on well after two years working together and have kept in touch."