Cricket: Langeveldt axed as Ottis Gibson makes changes to coaching staff

Proteas bowling coach Charl Langeveldt has become the first casualty as new head coach Ottis Gibson makes key changes to his backroom staff, according to Cricinfo.

Gibson made the announcement on Monday, following the 2^nd T20I against Bangladesh, a match which South Africa won by 83-runs. The former England bowling coach opted to take Langeveldt’s role upon himself going forward, having decided to keep his coaching team as is for the recently concluded tour in which his side completed a clean sweep in all formats.

Gibson confirmed that the former Proteas fast bowler’s contract had come to an end but did not reveal who would make up his coaching team but did give an idea as to the structure of his staff.

“There are names at the moment. Obviously, Cricket South Africa have to make that happen. At the moment there are just names of people that I think can do a good job with the team, some overseas, some local.” – Gibson said.

“I will do the bowling, then there will be a batting coach, a fielding coach, an assistant coach and a spin bowling coach – so four, plus myself. Having spoken to Charl, bowling has always been my specialism as a coach, fast bowling. He fully understands that.”

The Proteas have a considerable break to look forward to as their next task is the four-day Boxing Day Test against Zimbabwe, before welcoming India for their much-awaited tour which begins with the New Years’ Day Test on 5 January 2018.

Australia arrive in late Feb to wrap up the season with a tour consisting of four Test matches – the first one starting on 1 March 2018 in Durban. Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Johannesburg host the next three matches.

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