Gibson nears England exit as Cricket South Africa come calling

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

By Adam Ellis

Ottis Gibson’s switch to South Africa to become their head coach is expected imminently after the conclusion of their Test series in England.

The England bowling coach is in line to replace Russell Domingo after Cricket South Africa confirmed in January that it would review the head coach position and welcome applications for the role when Domingo’s contract expires later this month.

Electing not to stay loyal to Domingo, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis welcomed the news of Gibson’s likely appointment following his side’s 3-1 Test series defeat against England, the first time South Africa have lost out on the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy in 19 years.

“I have asked the England team for their thoughts and they have given me positive feedback,” du Plessis, 34, revealed.

“They are good judges and they will be honest in their reflections of the guy.

“If he is going to be the guy, we have to learn about each other and that will take time.”

England head coach Trevor Bayliss has publicly denied anything concrete has been agreed, but that hasn’t stopped him putting contingency plans in place should Gibson, England’s bowling coach since March 2015, leave with Jason Gillespie rumoured to be on a shortlist.

Gibson has previously held the head coach role at West Indies and has had two spells as England bowling coach, reclaiming his old job after the exit of David Saker two years ago.