How to measure Ottis Gibson’s two and a bit years as England’s bowling coach? There’s no easy answer. There rarely is with coaches. Who knows if a quiet word on the morning of a Test made all the difference, or if a tweak of a bowling action was the secret to success?

Moreover, how England’s fast bowlers have performed during Gibson’s 31 Tests with the team is subject to a myriad of factors. What stage have they been at in their careers? Has injury interfered? Who have they played against, and on what sort of pitches?

But measure Gibson’s contribution we must. And the performance of his bowlers is the only way to come to a speculative judgment.

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Well, he’s not of course. He’s actually quite a naughty boy. But the ball-tampering brouhaha is one of those great teacup storms that cricket specialises in.

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