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England bowling coach Ottis Gibson has completed his switch to become the new head coach of South Africa, the ECB has confirmed.
Gibson will succeed Russell Domingo in the post but will remain with the England camp until the current Test series against West Indies concludes at Lord’s.
After a total of five years working for the ECB across two spells, director of cricket Andrew Strauss praised the efforts of the 48-year-old for developing England’s bowling department into one of Test cricket’s most revered attacks.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to Ottis Gibson for his services to English cricket,” Strauss said in a statement.
“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 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 spent four years in charge of the West Indies earlier this decade but was sacked after a poor showing at the 2014 T20 World Cup before a loss-riddled home series against New Zealand saw the axe fall.
Noted as being Cricket South Africa’s preferred candidate to replace Domingo once the board pushed forward with its intentions to review their coaching set-up, Gibson applied for the top job having guided Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad to the positions of England’s all-time highest Test wicket takers.
With the experience of working alongside England coaches Peter Moores, Andy Flower and Trevor Bayliss, Gibson has now readied himself for head coach responsibilities once again and leaves with England’s blessing.
Bayliss commented: “Ottis has played a vital role in our progress over the past few years.
“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.”
Despite the well wishes, Bayliss now has the task of seeking a replacement department head in time for the Ashes Down Under this winter.
