Walsh set to become Bangladesh bowling coach

Courtney Walsh, the former West Indies captain, is likely to become Bangladesh’s new bowling coach.

Although neither the BCB nor Walsh have made any public comments, ESPNcricinfo understands Walsh has signed a contract that runs until the 2019 World Cup.

Walsh, who is set to arrive in the country in the coming week, replaces Heath Streak, who served as bowling coach for two years until May.

This will be Walsh’s first major coaching role in international cricket since retiring in 2001 as the then leading wicket-taker in Tests.

He has since worked as a cricket administrator in various roles including West Indies selector, mentor with Jamaica Tallawahs in the CPL, and as manager of the West Indies Under-19 team.

Most recently, Walsh served as part of the West Indies selection panel.

Walsh will be the second high-profile West Indian in a coaching role with Bangladesh. Gordon Greenidge, the former West Indies opener, was the coach who steered Bangladesh to the 1999 World Cup via victory at the 1997 ICC Trophy.

Walsh takes on the role with Bangladesh’s pace bowling on the rise. Streak oversaw Bangladesh’s best year in ODI cricket, 2015, when they won a series each against South Africa, Pakistan and India.

The team also reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup.