England to persuade Shane Bond as replacement for Ottis Gibson during the Ashes

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have their task cut out after the West Indies series with their bowling coach Ottis Gibson offered the position of Head Coach in the South African Cricket team. According to reports, former New Zealand fast bowler and bowling coach of Mumbai Indians, Shane Bond, is the hot favourite of the Board to replace Gibson during the Ashes later in the Winters.

ECB is all set to delay the appointment of new Head Coach until they find a suitable candidate for a more full-time role. Given the commitments of Bond in the IPL, it is highly unlikely that fast bowler would accept a full-time job in the UK but a temporary contract for the Ashes Tests this winter may appeal, particularly given the ECB has the financial ability to make him a good offer.

Since he was forced to retire due to injury back in 2010, Shane Bond is one of the world’s leading fast bowling coaches and has played a major role in the development of New Zealand’s new ball pair Tim Southee and Trent Boult. If reports are to be believed, ECB is eying Darren Gough for a more permanent role within the support staff.

We are going to leave here with a view to win simple as that: Bayliss on Ashes

“In the past, we have had consultants come in – we have had Mahela (Jayawardene) and people like that so the thought is that we might try and organise something along those lines just for the winter. The position is very much open and we have got a bit of time and there’s no point rushing,” commented Head Coach of England, Trevor Bayliss according to The Telegraph.

When asked if he was clear on his Ashes squad Bayliss replied: “not 100 percent”. “We are not going over to make up the numbers. We are going to leave here with a view to win simple as that,” concluded Bayliss.