St. John's - The West Indies announced on Friday the appointment of Richard Pybus as interim head coach ahead of the upcoming three-Test series against England.

The Englishman, a director of cricket for the West Indies from 2013 to 2016, will also coach the side for the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the visit of India in July and August.

"We've got a great home series against England coming up," from January-March, he said.

"England are a high-quality side who will be an excellent test of the team in our home conditions."

A triangular series in Ireland also involving Bangladesh will follow ahead of the World Cup from late May to mid-July.

The tournament "is on the region's mind and we will be looking to use the England series and Ireland Triangular to build into that," said Pybus, who has had previous coaching experience with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and South Africa.

West Indies are still looking for a long-term head coach after former Australia batsman Stuart Law announced his resignation last September to become head coach of Middlesex.

Pybus, 54, is currently the most successful coach in South African first-class cricket having guided the Titans and Cape Cobras to nine championship titles over six seasons, winning the SuperSport Series four times. He completed the domestic double three times in a row as a coach, twice with the Titans and once with the Cape Cobras.

He was named South African Coach of the Year in 2008/09 and 2010/11 by Cricket South Africa (CSA).