Former West Indies great
Courtney Walsh has joined the Bangladesh National Cricket Team as its
Specialist Bowling Coach.
The West Indies fast
bowling great agreed to a three-year contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board
which begins this week, the board said on Thursday.
The 53-year-old Walsh, the
most successful bowler from the Caribbean Islands with 519 Test wickets, recently
completed his role as a West Indies selector.
“Having watched Bangladesh
cricket from afar over the years, they are a seriously talented bunch of
players,” Walsh said in a statement.
“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 on the coaching front and
with such a talented group, was one I couldn’t look past.”
The Bangladesh job will be
the first senior role for Walsh, who in the past has managed the West Indies
Under-19 team and been a bowling consultant for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the
Caribbean Premier League among others.
Walsh takes office in a
time when the Tigers are gearing up for international action after a break of
almost six months.
He will prepare his
disciples for three 50-over matches against Afghanistan at home later this
month before Bangladesh host England next.
“We are delighted to have
Courtney in our ranks. He is a role model to millions and his fast bowling
knowledge is second to none,” BCB Chief Executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said.
“Bangladesh cricket at
present is going through the best pace bowling phase in our history and
Courtney’s involvement I am sure will take it to greater heights.”