South Africa name Ottis Gibson as the next head coach

After months of hunting Cricket South Africa (CSA) today confirmed that former West Indies cricketer Ottis Gibson will take over charge as the next head coach of the national team. He will succeed South African Russell Domingo in the office. Ottis currently holds the position of the bowling coach of the England team and will be with them until the end of the ongoing three-match Test series against West Indies at home.

Gibson who was the head coach of West Indies, when they won their first World T20 title in 2012, enjoyed a successful time with the home team from 2010-2014. Following his time there the 48-year-old joined England in 2015 and was contracted till 2018. The CSA’s panel appointed for picking the next coach for the team comprised of the likes of former coach Gary Kirsten and Eric Simons and on July 25 they conveyed to the board that Gibson was their man.

Ottis a vital character

The England camp values his contribution as head coach Trevor Bayliss said that the West Indian was a vital part of the team in the last few years, his knowledge helped their bowlers improve substantially.

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

“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 England coach stated.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Ottis Gibson for his services to English cricket,” Andrew Strauss, the director of England cricket, said. “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 added.

“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,” Strauss further mentioned.

First assignment

He will continue to discharge his duties for the English team till the third Test against West Indies that starts on 11 September. Following which he will join South Africa ahead of their home series against Bangladesh that kicks off on September 28.