NEW COACH FOR SA

No approach from South Africa over Gibson offer: ECB

by Rob Johnston & Tristan Holme • Last updated on

England could lose their bowling coach, Gibson, who is reportedly the preferred candidate to take over as South Africa's new head coach. © Getty

The ECB insist they have received no approach for their bowling coach, Ottis Gibson, despite reports that he is likely to be named as South Africa's new head coach once the current series between the two teams is completed.

Reports in two English newspapers suggested that Gibson, the former West Indies head coach, is the favoured candidate of Cricket South Africa to replace the incumbent Russell Domingo. The ECB reacted by saying they were not aware of any approach and none would be considered while the current series was underway.

In January CSA announced their intention to identify a coach to take them to the 2019 World Cup, but the process was not begun until May when a five-man panel was convened to interview prospective candidates. Interviews were conducted last month, with former Pakistan coach Richard Pybus, Lions head coach Geoffrey Toyana and Domingo among the notable names.

The panel were scheduled to give their recommendation to CSA at a board meeting on July 21, with an announcement set for the end of the England tour, but CSA claimed that the panel had asked for more time. The reports suggest that the process has in fact been completed and CSA have identified their candidate.

All of the indications have been that candidate is not Domingo. After South Africa's defeat at the Oval he confirmed that he was completely in the dark about his future and had not heard from anyone back home. Ahead of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, captain Faf du Plessis expressed his belief that a decision had already been made. "I think they probably would have made that decision even before these five days," he said on Thursday (August 3).

"We'll have to see how that unfolds. If it is Russell's last game then it makes it even more important for us as a team to give him a nice send-off because he's been a huge part of this team."

Gibson would tick several boxes, given his experience of coaching at national level, the fact that he could bring some fresh ideas to a one-day team that makes the same mistakes at big tournaments, and that he could become South Africa's first black coach. He has is also familiar with the country after spending six seasons playing for Border, Griqualand West and Gauteng.

Gibson's knowledge as a bowling coach would also be useful, given that Dale Steyn's career has been all but ended by injury, and Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander are nearing the end. That places extra emphasis on the next group of South Africa coaches to nurture the talents of Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Chris Morris and others who may follow.

It would be a blow for England to lose such a respected member of their coaching staff. Gibson has had two spells with England as bowling coach totaling five years in all. Sandwiched between them were four years with the West Indies from 2010 to 2014, and although they won the World T20 in 2012, a record of just nine victories from 36 Tests ended Gibson's time in charge.

Should Gibson leave, Essex's Head Coach Chris SIlverwood is likely to be the favourite homegrown candidate to fulfill the role. He is well thought of within the ECB and was the assistant coach on the England Lions tour to Sri Lanka last winter.

Andy Flower, who led the Lions coaching staff, praised Silverwood's contribution and the England role would be the next logical step for him. It would however be a blow for Essex who have improved markedly under Silverwood's leadership and currently sit top of the County Championship.

Other candidates for the role are Sussex's Jon Lewis, who has done excellent work with Tymal Mills, Jofra Archer and George Garton at the county, and Steffan Jones, who had a successful stint with the Hobart Hurricanes during the last edition of Big Bash League where his work was praised by Stuart Broad. Australian Jason Gillespie could also be an option.

© Cricbuzz

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