Bangladesh appoint Walsh as bowling coach

Courtney Walsh, the former West Indies captain, has signed on as Bangladesh’s new bowling coach until the 2019 World Cup.

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

This would 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, reports ESPNcricinfo.

‘Having watched Bangladesh cricket from afar over the years, they are a seriously talented bunch of players,’ Walsh said. ‘Chandika Hathurusingha has done a wonderful job thus far as Head Coach so hopefully I can complement his skills and continue the positive progress.

‘Obviously the West Indies is my home but the chance to go in a new direction in coaching at the international level with a talented group, was one I couldn’t let that opportunity pass.’

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

‘Bangladesh cricket at present is going through the best pace bowling phase in our history,’ BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury said, ‘And Courtney’s involvement, I am sure will take it to greater heights.’

Bangladesh had had their best year in ODI cricket in 2015, when they won a series each against South Africa, Pakistan and India. The team also reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup.