By Jamie Lillywhite

Gibson's heroics helped Durham to land their first major silverware

Not many players come back from three years out of the game to win the man of the match award in a Lord's final.

None in fact, until now.

But then the career of Ottis Gibson has taken more twists and turns than most in its 17 years.

In 2001 the all-rounder had all but ended his playing days and was devoted to becoming a coach.

He was convinced his time at the top level was over after playing only two Tests for the West Indies.

His debut came at Lord's in 1995, when he dismissed Alec Stewart, while the other appearance was when he was hastily drafted in on the controversial tour of South Africa almost four years later.

The call-up in South Africa was largely out of convenience for the West Indies Cricket Board, as Gibson, who began his county career with Glamorgan, was there playing provincial cricket.

Quite why a player with undoubted match-winning capabilities was afforded only two matches and 15 one-day internationals [in which he took two five-wicket hauls] during one of the most difficult periods in West Indian cricketing history is baffling.

"I stopped playing cricket because you get to a point when you're not playing for West Indies any more and you just fall out of love with it a little bit," he said.

He gained his coaching qualifications and was employed by the England and Wales Cricket Board, assisting at the National Academy.

But in 2004, ECB financial restrictions ensured that his contract as the north-west regional scout would not be renewed.

Gibson is revelling in his role with a closely-knit Durham team

However, at the age of 35 he was recruited by Leicestershire as player/coach and was the club's leading wicket-taker in his two seasons at Grace Road, taking 104 wickets and scoring 829 runs in the Championship.

"It was a little bit strange," he says of his return to first-class cricket. "I suppose I didn't think I would ever be doing it again."

Durham were convinced he could keep producing the goods as he neared 40 and secured his services on a two-year contract in 2006.

He duly played a prominent role in keeping Durham in the top flight, capturing 48 wickets and recording his highest first-class score with 155 in the final match of the season against Yorkshire.

"Every time I played against Durham, whether they won or not, the Durham lads always seemed to enjoy themselves and have good banter between them," he recalled.

"When I went up there last year, it was exactly the way I expected it to be. The success we've had might surprise a few people, but it's certainly no surprise to me."

This season he has achieved even greater heights, becoming the first player for 13 years to take all 10 wickets in a Championship innings when he destroyed Hampshire at the Riverside.

His exuberant influence was a key factor in the club's first Lord's final, with Hampshire again the unfortunate victims.

After smashing a six and a four in his unbeaten 15, he removed two Hampshire batsmen for golden ducks to put his team firmly on course for victory.

"When I moved on to coaching and really enjoyed that, but when you get back on the field, you really look forward to playing again.

"Every morning, I look forward to going down to the Riverside and getting involved - it's been fantastic."

His coaching work has continued and remains the most probable next step for the genial Barbadian.

There will be no shortages of references for prospective employers.

Shane Warne, the losing captain at Lord's, said: "He's a guy who you don't mind seeing do well, as he's a pretty good bloke, he knows his game and he's probably better now than he ever has been so good luck to him."

The man himself is undecided as to where his future lies, when he finally decides to call a permanent end to his playing career.

"I've worked for the ECB since 2001 in some capacity or other," he said.

"You would think as a natural progression there might be an opportunity to go further and if those chances come my way I would love to take them up."

But then there is the allure of his beloved West Indies, even if it is in coaching rather than playing caapcity.