Ottis Gibson.

LONDON, England, CMC – Ottis Gibson has been called up by England to serve as their bowling coach on the upcoming tours of Sri Lanka.

 

The former Barbados and West Indies all-rounder will replace South African Allan Donald who is unavailable for both the one-day and subsequent Test tour.

 

“We always knew he wasn’t going to be able to do this part of it because he’s got commitments in South Africa,” England coach Peter Moores said of Donald who served in the position during the West Indies and India tours.

 

England will play Sri Lanka in five One-Day Internationals from October 1-13 and will return in December for three Tests beginning December 1.

 

Gibson, who has had an outstanding season for Durham on the County circuit this year, has worked with the England and Wales Cricket Board in the past as one of their regional coaches.

 

He resumed his career in 2004 for Leicestershire and spent two seasons at Grace Road before joining Durham.

 

The 38-year old, who has played two Tests and 15 ODIs for the West Indies, is a qualified England coach who has already expressed an interest in coaching full time. He said recently he had indicated his interest in coaching the beleaguered West Indies.

 

Gibson achieved the historic feat of taking 10 wickets in an innings in a County match this season and has already helped Durham to two titles this season. He has 78 wickets.

 

CMC kp/07