Windies finalise Gibson appointment
Ottis Gibson takes over as West Indies head coach after almost two and a half years as England fast bowling coach
West Indies have confirmed Ottis Gibson will take over as their head coach in time for their upcoming series against Zimbabwe.
The former all-rounder, who played two Tests and 15 one-day internationals for the Windies, has served England as fast bowling coach since 2007.
His departure from the ECB was announced yesterday and now West Indies Cricket Board chief executive Ernest Hilaire confirmed that the 40-year-old will take up the position in the Caribbean, replacing the sacked John Dyson.
Gibson has won plaudits for his work with England’s bowlers over the last two years and Hilaire is pleased to have got his man.
“We are delighted to have Ottis Gibson as our new head coach of West Indies cricket. We are at a stage in the development of West Indies cricket where we believe we have the players who are capable of taking the game to the next level,” he said.
“Ottis has the experience and knowledge to work with players at all levels, as he demonstrated with the England team. We are confident he can help to chart the way forward for West Indies cricket.”
The Windies will play a Twenty20 international against Zimbabwe on February 28, followed by five one-day internationals.
They are in action in five ODIs and two Twenty20s against Australia before that date, with interim coach David Williams remaining in charge for those games before becoming Gibson’s assistant.
Gibson enjoyed a fine end to his playing days, with a spell at Durham until 2007
Gibson, whose last international appearance came in a Test against South Africa in Cape Town in 1999, is thrilled to renew his association with West Indies.
“I am really excited about the new challenge and I am very happy to be involved in West Indies cricket again. It has always been my passion,” he said.
“I was excited as a player to represent the West Indies and I am honoured to be appointed as the head coach. It is a privilege and I am really looking forward to working with everyone involved in West Indies cricket.
“I fully understand what cricket means to the people of the region and I hope in time we can make our cricket strong again.”
Gibson, who enjoyed an Indian summer as player, having a prolific two years with Durham before ending his playing career, had taken over from Kevin Shine as England’s bowling coach in 2007 and was widely credited for his impact in England’s Ashes-winning summer of 2009.
“I would like to thank the ECB for the opportunity given to me since 2001 as a national coach for north-west of England and then as bowling coach for England for the last two years," he added.
“It was a tremendous opportunity and I am sure the experience I gained will help me in my new role with the West Indies team unit.”
