England advertise for new bowling coach as Ottis Gibson is set to resign

England Cricket Board (ECB) has taken a traditional approach to find the new bowling coach and advertised for the position. The current coach Ottis Gibson is set to resign post the series against West Indies and join South Africa as a head coach. ECB has posted the advertise on their official website in order to lure applicants for the position.

The formal approach from ECB might have surprised and deterred some of the interested candidates in line for the role. Though the board have not made the advert look overly appealing in the job summary which offers a ‘competitive salary’. Though the current bowling coach will be missed who had worked with the team for so long and had started his second stint with England in early 2015.

Job summary for the position

The job summary posted on the website makes it clear that ECB require a person who will always be available for the side. Also with the prestigious Ashes commencing in November away from home, they would want someone who would encourage and improve their bowlers.

Summary of the job as per posted on the website says, ‘The mission of the England team is to deliver winning teams that inspire and excite through on-field performance and off-field behaviour. Guided by clear plans for success in all formats of the game we will develop a style of play, an identity and values that will enable our teams to deliver sustained success.”

ECB in their advert has made it clear that they are not looking for a person who values his time at home. The job requirement further says, “The role is highly likely to involve work during unsociable hours, weekends and school holidays, and will require extended periods away from home on overseas camps and tours. As a guide only, it is likely that the post-holder will be required to work overseas for approximately 16 – 20 weeks per year, and ‘on tour’ in the UK for approximately 14 – 16 weeks per year.”

England is set to take on West Indies in the limited-overs format which will be their first assignment after the Ottis Gibson’s resignation. Interestingly, West Indies legend Curtly Ambrose last week expressed his desire to take on the vacated bowling coach job some 18 months after being sacked by the Windies.