Shane Watson and Glenn McGrath agree Trevor Bayliss is a big asset for England, but sense it might take time for the boon to come.

Bayliss officially started as England coach last Friday, giving him 12 days to prepare for the Ashes opener in Cardiff.

It’s a somewhat similar challenge to that faced by Darren Lehmann in 2013, when he was handed the reins 16 days before the series started.

Lehmann was able to turn the team’s culture around, empowering them to smash England 5-0 in the return series then defeat world No.1 South Africa in the Republic.

However, Australia failed to click instantly in England and were rolled 3-0 in the Ashes.

“I know when Darren Lehmann took over just before an Ashes series here, it takes a bit of time to be able to really find your feet as a team (under a new coach),” Watson said.

“English cricket is only going to benefit out of what he’s going to bring, hopefully that’s in three or four months time that we’ll really see those benefits.

“But there’s no doubt, by getting Trevor Bayliss, they’re certainly on the right track.”

Watson was full of praise for the former NSW mentor.

“He’s a great man, he’s a very good coach,” he said.

“He understands the game very well, he doesn’t put any excessive pressure on players but he certainly knows how to try and get the best out of them.

“He’s certainly a huge asset for English cricket.”

Pace icon McGrath, who started his first-class career alongside Bayliss, praised the appointment but also cautioned against expecting too much too soon.

“To have a new coach come on and have success straight away is always a big ask,” McGrath said.

“But you never know.”

Watson noted Bayliss would be sharing some “inside information” from his time with NSW, Australia and the Sydney Sixers.

But Mitchell Johnson doubted whether it would matter much come July 8, when the long-awaited series begins in Wales.

“He’s probably got a bit of dirt on us, but that doesn’t mean a hell of lot when you are out in the middle,” Johnson said.