Fast bowler Mark Wood has stated ‘the guys really rate him and trust him’, amid speculation South Africa coach Ottis Gibson might rejoin England.

Gibson reportedly expressed interest to the England and Wales Cricket Board about succeeding the outgoing Trevor Bayliss.

Bayliss’ England contract will expire in September 2019 – and will not be renewed. Gibson’s tenure with the Proteas, meanwhile, might not extend beyond the World Cup in July.

‘I know he’s had two short spells with England, and the guys really rate him and trust him, I guess,’ England fast bowler Mark Wood told the BBC.

‘Trust is a major quality to have and Gibson has gone a way – he’s been head coach of the West Indies and South Africa, so I’m sure he’d be a good candidate for England in the future if he was to put his name in the hat.’

Earlier this year, Cricket South Africa chief executive officer Thabang Moroe effectively gave Gibson an ultimatum.

‘When the board hired Ottis it was purely to win the World Cup in England from May to July. As it stands, his contracts states he has to win the World Cup,’ said Moroe.

‘I’ve been happy with what he has done. I have had a few phone calls encouraging me to speak to the board to see if they haven’t changed their mind.’

The 49-year-old Gibson, who was also the head coach of the West Indies, previously worked with England as a bowling coach.

Photo: Gallo