Begin typing your search...

    Gibson aims number one ranking with South Africa

    New South Africa coach Ottis Gibson faces a fast bowling crisis ahead of the two-Test home series against Bangladesh that starts on September 28, as he plots a path to return the side to number one in the International Cricket Council’s five-day rankings.

    Gibson aims number one ranking with South Africa
    X
    South Africa coach Ottis Gibson

    Johannesburg

    West Indian Gibson left his post as England bowling coach to take up the top position with South Africa, but already faces a challenging start with several top performers sidelined by injury. 

    “We have four quality fast bowlers injured. That’s a problem straight away,” Gibson said at his first press conference as coach on Tuesday. “You can’t really develop a team with that type of injury list. We have to take 20 wickets consistently to win Tests. We need a group of fast bowlers ready to perform.” Dale Steyn’s return has been delayed again, this time indefinitely, after he suffered a set-back in his recovery with a strained muscle in his problematic shoulder. 

    Vernon Philander has also been ruled out of the first Test, at least, with a back problem sustained in the recent 3-1 Test series loss in England. 

    Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!

    Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!

    Click here for iOS

    Click here for Android

    migrator
    Next Story