Ottis Gibson has been released from his role as head coach of South Africa. Gibson, who has been linked with succeeding Trevor Bayliss as England head coach, oversaw a disappointing World Cup campaign this summer as the Proteas won just three matches.

The 50-year-old’s contract with South Africa was set to expire in September, the same month in which Bayliss will step down following the conclusion of the current Ashes series.

Gibson’s departure was announced by Cricket South Africa (CSA) as part of a new structure which will see the appointment of a team manager to take overall charge of all aspects of the team, as well as a director of cricket.

Corrie Van Zyl has been named acting director of cricket until the position is filled and will work with CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe to appoint an interim management team for the tour of India.

The shake-up comes just before the team’s tour of India next month where the Proteas will their first three Tests of the new world Test championship.

CSA said the football-style team manager will take charge of all aspects of the national team, including the appointment of coaching staff, captain and medical and administrative personnel. The manager will report directly to the director of cricket, which again is a new position.