Ottis Gibson joins Cricket South Africa as Head Coach

[UN talkz]

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that bowling coach Ottis Gibson has agreed to join Cricket South Africa as their new head coach.

Gibson, who has been with England in his current role since 2015, will leave after the conclusion of the Test series against West Indies next month.

Speaking on the departure of Gibson, Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss said:

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Ottis Gibson for his services to English cricket. Ottis has been an integral part of the England team in his two stints as bowling coach. His experience, tactical awareness and understanding of bowling in all conditions has benefited our approach and has helped our bowling unit develop greatly across all formats of the game.

“He is an ambitious man and when this opportunity presented itself it was difficult for him to turn down. On behalf of the ECB, I would like to wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”

England Coach Trevor Bayliss added:

“Ottis has played a vital role in our progress over the past few years. His knowledge of the international game and the way he has supported all our bowlers in their development has been immeasurable.

“He will no doubt relish the challenge of becoming a head coach once again and coupled with his strong affinity with South African cricket, he will look to take them forward.”

The ECB will shortly launch a process to identify and recruit a new fast bowling coach ahead of a busy winter schedule.

 

[Abdullah719]

There was a rumour that Jimmy might take a player-coach role if Gibson left, wonder if that's true.

South Africa have been struggling recently with Domingo so hopefully this helps to bring a change in their fortunes.

 

[Markhor]

Needs to find an opening partner for Dean Elgar. Didn't think Stephen Cook deserved dropping especially if Heino Kuhn was to be his replacement as he was hardly an upgrade.

With de Villiers making himself available in all formats again that does resolve the middle-order issues that was exposed during the England tour, but South Africa still need to plan for the future and groom replacements for AB and Amla in Test cricket.

Gibson also needs to add depth to the pace attack. Steyn is coming to the end whilst Abbott and de Lange have left their international careers for county cricket. Philander has fitness issues while Olivier didn't exactly impress on the England tour.