Ottis sits on the dock of the bay*

Gibson takes England bowling role

England have appointed Ottis Gibson as their new full-time bowling coach.
The 38-year-old had been filling the role on a temporary basis, but has made a significant impact during England's one-day series win in Sri Lanka.

"I am delighted to be a part of the England team in a full-time capacity as bowling coach," said Gibson.

Gibson, who had been linked with the West Indies coaching job, was named PCA Cricketer of the Year after claiming 80 wickets for Durham last season.

The Barbados-born paceman has been instrumental in England's first major series win on the sub-continent for 20 years.

Seamers Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson and Stuart Broad produced their most most consistent performances for England in Sri Lanka.

Gibson, who played two Tests and 15 one-dayers for West Indies in the 1990s, has been involved with the England and Wales Cricket Board's fast bowling programme for the past four years.

And will work alongside bowling coach Kevin Shine to work with England's current and next generation of pacemen.

"As a level four qualified coach who's worked with both the senior England bowlers and several younger England bowlers, I feel I'm well equipped to take up the position as fast bowling coach," said Gibson.

"With the future looking so bright for England's bowling stocks, I'm extremely excited by the prospect of working alongside Kevin Shine with such a talented group of bowlers in both the Test and one-day arenas."

Former South African paceman Allan Donald had filled the role until recently, but he did not want to continue because of family reasons.

The BEEB

"With the future looking so bright for England's bowling stocks, I'm extremely excited by the prospect of working alongside Kevin Shine

biff harde wrote:When asked to comment on the new appointment, Gibson's Durham colleague Steve Harmison said: "Looks like nothing's gonna change. Everything just remain the same. I can't do what ten people (head coaches, bowling coaches, five captains, sports psychologists, Haitian voodoo doctors) helped me to do. So I guess I'll remain the same."

Lara Lara Laughs wrote:Otis will have Harmy bowlin' in the mornin' sun. And he'll be bowlin' when the evenin' come. Watchin' the wides roll in. Then he gonna watch 'em roll away again.