Jason Gillespie surges ahead in the race to land Australia's bowling coach job

Jason Gillespie looks set to be appointed as Australia full-time fast bowling coach as discussions about bringing the former pacer in the national team are reportedly at an 'advanced level'. 

Australia, the top-ranked Test side, have been without a full-time bowling coach since the departure of Craig McDermott following the conclusion of the World Twenty20 last month. Gillespie, who has taken 259 wickets in his 71 Tests for Australia, is currently coaching England's domestic club Yorkshire and is hoping to guide his side to a third consecutive county championships.

Earlier, Australia head coach Darren Lehmann had suggested that his former teammate would certainly be at the forefront with other bowling coaches for the vacant position. Currently, South African fast bowling legend Allan Donald occupies the post on an interim basis until the end of Australia's tour to Sri Lanka. However, his tenure could be extended to accommodate Gillespie's prior commitment to Yorkshire and a potential Big Bash League deal with the Adelaide Strikers, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Meanwhile, Australia have announced a 15-man squad for the three-Test series in Sri Lanka in July-August.