NO GIBSON WI coach not with squad in Grenada

NO GIBSON
WI coach not with squad in Grenada

By \\\\\ Roger Seepersad
Story Created: Aug 18, 2014 at 9:52 PM ECT
Express


There is uncertainty surrounding the future of West Indies coach Ottis Gibson ahead of the home series against Bangladesh which is scheduled to start in Grenada tomorrow with the first One-Day International.

There were rumours yesterday that the former West Indies and Barbados cricketer would not be with the team for the ODIs which led to speculation about his future as West Indies head coach.

The West Indies team was scheduled to assemble in Grenada yesterday but West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron confirmed that “he (Gibson) is not in Grenada, that much we can confirm.”

Asked the reason why the 45-year-old Gibson would be absent, Cameron said: “None that I wish to confirm at this time.” Quizzed further if the WICB and Gibson were in discussions concerning his post as head coach prior to the Bangladesh series, Cameron said: “We are in discussions.”

Yesterday,the Express learned that West Indies assistant coach Stuart Williams will serve as the interim coach for the Bangladesh ODIs with West Indies bowling consultant Sir Curtly Ambrose being as his assistant. Gibson played two Tests and 15 ODIs for the Windies, taking three Test and 34 ODI wickets.

Gibson, who was first appointed West Indies head coach in January 2010 after giving up the job as England’s bowling coach, renewed his contract last year and was scheduled to carry on through October 2016. His stint in charge of the West Indies so far has been filled with ups and downs which included the regional side winning the ICC World T20 in 2012 and six consecutive Test victories between 2012 and 2013.

Gibson’s first series in charge against South Africa in 2010 ended with a 2-0 loss, with the Caribbean team drawing the second game of that three-match series. The three-match Test series against Sri Lanka that same year ended 0-0.

The West Indies overall Test record since 2010 stands at nine wins, 16 loses and 11 draws.