Ottis Gibson reappointed England bowling coach for West Indies series

Ottis Gibson

London, March 27 (IANS) Former West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson has been reappointed as England's fast bowling coach for the forthcoming tour of the Caribbean.

Gibson was England's bowling coach for nearly three years from 2007 before he was appointed as head coach of the West Indies, reports CMC.

He left that job last August after guiding the West Indies to a World Twenty20 crown in Sri Lanka but struggled to regenerate West Indies cricket.

"We are delighted to have secured a bowling coach of Ottis' calibre," declared England cricket's managing director Paul Downton on Thursday.

"He is highly respected among the fast bowling fraternity and his knowledge and experience of local conditions will be invaluable in the Caribbean."

Gibson replaces David Saker, whose job was already in jeopardy before he indicated to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) last September that he intended to quit to become the coach of the Melbourne Renegades in Australia's Big Bash franchise.

Saker was informed that he was not required for next month's three-Test tour of the Caribbean as England took the opportunity to bring Gibson back into the fold.

Gibson's appointment is short term, but he has a chance to stake a claim for the job full time ahead of the Ashes series against Australia this summer.

"We must, however, stress that this is a short-term appointment at this stage," said Downton.

"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."

England and West Indies begin their three-match Test series next month.