Courtney Walsh signs as Bangladesh's bowling coach

Former West Indies captain Courtney Walsh has been appointed as Bangladesh’s new bowling coach until the 2019 World Cup.

The 53-year-old Walsh has replaced Heath Streak, who served as bowling coach for two years till May.

This is going to be Walsh’s first major assignment as a coach in international cricket after he retired in 2001 as the then leading wicket-taker in Tests.

“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,” he added.

Set to arrive in Bangladesh in the coming week, Walsh has been reportedly given a three-year contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), which starts this week.

“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,” said Walsh.

The most successful bowler from the Caribbean Islands with 519 Test wickets, Walsh recently completed his role as a West Indies selector.

In the past, Walsh has managed the West Indies Under-19 team and been a bowling consultant for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League.

Walsh’s first assignment after arriving in the country would be to prepare the Bangladesh team for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan at home, which is scheduled to be held later this month. Thereafter, they will host England.

BCB Chief Executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury feels Walsh’s mentoring will take the country’s cricket to greater heights.

“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. 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,” said Chowdhury.