Protean coach, Ottis Gibson lauds Bangladesh cricket team

South Africa’s recently appointed coach, Ottis Gibson has expressed admiration for the Bangladesh side, calling them a “confident side”. Gibsons’ first stint as Protean coach will see him supervising the team into a bilateral series against Bangladesh, starting from September 28. The series will comprise 2 Tests, 3 ODIs and 2 T201 matches.

The Protean side is currently faced with some serious fitness issues, with injury having taken out 4 of their best fast bowlers. While Dale Steyn‘s comeback has been deferred indefinitely, owing to a strained shoulder muscle, the likes of Vernon Philander, Chris Morris and youngster, Lungi Ngidi will have to sit out of the series owing to injuries. Gibson, on his part, relinquished his previous position as England bowling coach, in order to take up the top position with South Africa.

Ottis Gibson praises Bangladesh

Gibson has cautioned his team against underestimating Bangladesh as an opponent. “I don’t want South Africa to start playing taking Bangladesh lightly. We have watched their performance against Australia. I was with the England team last year in Bangladesh and I’ve seen them beating England as well,” said former West Indies player.

He showered praise on the Mushfiqur Rahim-led side, saying, “Bangladesh is a confident side. We cannot start playing with them effortlessly in field. The series is going to be a tough one. They have Courtney Walsh with them and Bangladesh head coach has also been doing a fine job with the team that helped the country to become a tough competitor.”

Talking about the setbacks within their own team due to fitness issues, Gibson said at his first press conference as coach on Tuesday, “We have four quality fast bowlers injured. That’s a problem straight away. You can’t really develop a team with that type of injury list. We have to take 20 wickets consistently to win Tests. We need a group of fast bowlers ready to perform.”