Gibson set to be named as South Africa coach

Ottis Gibson is expected to be appointed as a new coach in South Africa within a few days.

Gibson is currently working as an England bowling coach and is expected to report to Birmingham for training ahead of his first Investec test on the West Indies on Monday, but the ECB now sees his departure as inevitable and understands the deal is imminent. .

Britain hopes Gibson can stay with them until the end of the test series for the West Indies, which can last until September 11, but knows that South Africa's next test series (Bangladesh) will begin on September 28 There is. I want to attend a training camp ahead of that series.

South African captain Faf du Plessis confirmed earlier this week that Gibson was the first choice for a panel to pick up a new coach. That decision should now be ratified by Cricket South Africa.

Only CSA and ECB agree on the compensation figures. Gibson is understood to have confirmed that the UK has a one-year contract but wants to take the position with South Africa. A remuneration discussion is not expected to delay his appointment.

That means the Edgbaston Test could be the last last with England.

While James Anderson can help as a player coach in the middle, former British Seamer Richard Johnson, who currently plays the role of middle sex and bowling coach, is the main candidate to replace Gibson.

Another interesting possibility is the addition of Darren Gough to the coaching staff. Gough is believed not interested in the full-time role, but has emerged as a candidate for bowling coach or backball team consultant. He is level 3 qualified and has recently been impressed by working with the UK U-19. He is understood to be open to access.

It is also understood that discussions with Saqlain Mushtaq continue. He currently has a contract with the UK to spend 100 days each year, but the role is likely to expand.