LONDON, CMC — Senior officials have hailed the work of England bowling coach Ottis Gibson, as he prepares to leave to become the South Africa head coach.
The England & Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday that the 48-year-old Gibson, a former Barbados and West Indies all-rounder, has penned a two-year contract with Cricket South Africa to become head coach of their senior men’s national side.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to Ottis for his services to English cricket,” said ECB Director of Cricket Andrew Strauss.
“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 benefitted our approach and has helped our bowling unit develop greatly across all formats of the game.
“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.”
Gibson is currently the England bowling coach, but he will be released from his duties following the end of the ongoing three-Test series against West Indies.
He took up the role for the second time last year after previously serving in the position between 2007 and 2010.
Gibson also served as West Indies head coach for four years, leading them to the capture of the 2012 Twenty20 World Cup before being axed in 2014.
“Ottis has played a vital role in our progress over the past few years,” said England head coach Trevor Bayliss.
“His knowledge of the international game and the way he has supported all our bowlers in their development has been immeasurable.
“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.”
Gibson played first-class cricket for a number of years in South Africa for Border (1992-1995), Griqualand West (1998-2000) and Gauteng (2000-2001).
