Thursday 26 March 2015 12:23, UK
England have named Ottis Gibson as their interim fast-bowling coach for next month's tour of the West Indies.
Gibson, who will take the place of David Saker, was previously part of England's management team on a permanent basis in the same capacity between 2007 and early 2010 before coaching the West Indies until last year.
He will join up with England again when Alastair Cook's team fly out to the Caribbean next week for their three-Test series.
The 46-year-old former West Indies seamer was also the England Lions' fast-bowling coach on this year's tour of South Africa.
Australian Saker has informed the England and Wales Cricket Board he intends to leave his post in September, to become Melbourne Renegades coach in the Big Bash.
ECB managing director Paul Downton said: "We are delighted to have secured a bowling coach of Ottis' calibre, as he is highly respected among the fast-bowling fraternity and his knowledge and experience of local conditions will be invaluable in the Caribbean.
"We must, however, stress that this is a short-term appointment at this stage.
"No decision has yet been made on a long-term replacement for David, and we will need to review how we staff this position going forward following the conclusion of the West Indies tour."
Former England captain Nasser Hussain has welcomed the appointment of Gibson to work alongside head coach Peter Moores.
He said: “He’s obviously someone that Peter Moores feels comfortable working with. They would have worked together at Loughborough quite a bit and he has been around the England camp and involved in world cricket over the years. Plus, the next tour is in the Caribbean.
“I think he’s someone who is exceptional – and I hope he doesn’t take this the wrong way – as a second in command, as a bowling coach. I think that’s where his future lies.
"He ticks every single box, he’s a good guy, a good bowling coach. I think there are deeper issues for England to solve but as far as Ottis Gibson is concerned, that’s a pretty good appointment.”
