Jason Gillespie has urged Australia's selectors to be patient as they look for replacements for batting legends Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey.
Gillespie, who is preparing to coach Yorkshire in their 150th anniversary season, said Australian coach Micky Arthur and the selection panel needed to take their time.
"When you have retirements of such greats, averaging 50 plus over long periods of time, you are not going to replace these guys overnight so there is a lot of expectation on this next wave of young batters coming through the Australian ranks," Gillespie said.
The former Australian pace bowler backed the selectors to get it right.
"There needs to be a real element of patience. They are not going to come in and dominate a Test series. It will take them time," he said.
"They are not going to come in and average 50.
"They need to feel comfortable in their environment, in the Australian dressing room, and get used to playing in different conditions around the world.
"Then I think you will start to see that consistency that all international batsmen strive for."
Meanwhile, Gillespie is confident Ponting will be a success in his short county championship stint with Surrey in June-July.
"Ricky loves his cricket. He's a cricket tragic like we all are," he said.
"He's not playing international cricket any more so two months at Surrey will be great for him, great for the county game."
But Gillespie does not see Ponting as back up for the Ashes series in England, which opens with the first Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on July 10.
"Wildcard for the Ashes? I don't think so," he said.
"Ricky's retired from international cricket and I'd be incredibly surprised if that was reversed."
On the drugs scandal that has rocked Australian sport, Gillespie said he was not surprised that cricket was not caught up in the controversy.
"It seems to be a lot about performance-enhancing drugs, nothing that I am too familiar with. But my understanding is that it would not benefit a cricketer any way because cricket is essentially a skills-based game," he said.
"It may benefit a fast bowler, for instance, looking to overcome injuries and put on that little bit of extra bulk and power.
"Cricket does not seem to be the sort of sport that would attract the need to go down that path."
Gillespie sees his immediate future at the White Rose county but admits the lure of Australia may appeal at some stage.
"I am really comfortable at Yorkshire," he said.
"I am still in the early stages of my coaching career. I have been given this wonderful opportunity which I am loving.
"As for the future, who knows where it leads. I am just comfortable at Yorkshire. I want to be involved at this club and see some real success."
First Posted 28 February, 2013 9:04AM AEST
