New England and Wales Cricket Board director Andrew Strauss has insisted that he would have no problem appointing an Australian coach for the national side.

Jason Gillespie, who took 259 wickets in 71 Tests for the Aussies during his playing career, has emerged as the heavy favourite to be appointed in the role after Peter Moores was sacked last week.

England are expected to appoint a new coach before the start of The Ashes in July, and Strauss believes that having an Australian in charge against their own nation will not be a problem.

"We've had Australian support staff - David Saker as bowling coach, Troy Cooley in the past," he told reporters.

"When people are in the team environment, they're professional."

Gillespie is currently the coach of Yorkshire, whom he guided to the County Championship title last season.