Otis Gibson’s exit may pave way for Jason Gillespie to enter the England set-up

England bowling coach Ottis Gibson is all set to become the new head coach of South Africa. The announcement is expected to be made at the end of the fourth Test between the Proteas and England. The numero uno choice of the interview panel, Gibson has experience of the conditions having played in the domestic circuit for six seasons. Gibson will be replacing Russel Domingo; after the panel appointed to pick the new coach analysed all the options at hand for two months.

With Gibson gone, England head coach Trevor Bayliss will be left searching for a new bowling coach just two months before the England team leave for the Ashes tour. However, the departure has opened up the doors for veteran Australian pacer Jason Gillespie. Gillespie, who came close to being appointed head coach when Bayliss got the job two years ago, would be the leading candidate if he applied.

However, England is on the lookout for a technical coach, which is not Gillespie’s forte. Instead, Richard Johnson of Middlesex and Essex head coach Chris Silverwood are being judged as favourites. Both the players have played Test cricket for England and have a good reputation in county circuit. Silverwood is the head coach at Essex and the team is currently on top of Division One.

Gibson will be a clinical addition to the Protea setup

Previously head coach of the West Indies squad, 48-year-old Gibson had a memorable stint in the Caribbean winning the World Twenty20 title in 2016. He rejoined the England set up in 2015 after he found the job of revitalizing cricket in the Caribbean overwhelming.

He is also a popular and respected figure in the England set up. Pacer Stuart Broad, in particular, has a close working relationship with Gibson and lauded him for his help in bowling to left-handers.

Earlier this year, Cricket South Africa announced they would be advertising Domingo’s job, who took over the coaching reigns four years back. He reapplied but it is understood that Gibson, who played domestic cricket in South Africa, has beaten him to the post.