Former West Indian bowling legend Courtney Walsh said he is excited to get his new job as Bangladesh bowling coach and looks forward to work with the Tigers.
Walsh, who is the first ever bowler to get 500 wickets in Test cricket, has reached an agreement with Bangladesh Cricket board to work as their bowling coach from September 01 till 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in England.
The 53-year old replaces former Zimbabwean Heath Streak, who worked as Tigers’ bowling coach for two years until May.
Walsh, who retired in 2001 with 519 scalps, the erstwhile Test record, will take up a major coaching role for the first time after serving West Indies Cricket Board in different capacities.
He has managed the West Indies Under-19 side, had been a bowling consultant for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League, and was a part of the coaching team for the ICC Americas Cricket Combine.
He has also worked as a selector of the West Indies Cricket Board recently.
‘I am thrilled to be joining the BCB as their specialist bowling coach. I am really looking forward to getting started with the group,’ said the Jamaican.
Walsh believed the Tigers are a talented job and he believes he can accentuate them with the help of their head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe.
‘Having watched Bangladesh cricket from afar over the years, they are a seriously talented bunch of players. Chandika Hathurusinghe has done a wonderful job thus far as head coach so hopefully I can complement his skills and continue the positive progress.
‘I have loved my time working as a selector for the West Indies Cricket Board and I would like to thank them for giving me that opportunity. 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.’
In Bangladesh’s cricket history Walsh has become the most illustrious coach with the richest playing career and also the second high-profile West Indian in a coaching role with Bangladesh following Gordon Greenidge.
Greenidge, the former West Indies opener, coached Bangladesh to help the win the 1997 ICC Trophy that made them eligible to play in the World Cup for the first time in 1999.
Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury believed Walsh’s vast experience will be a valuable addition to their ever improving team.
‘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.
‘I take this opportunity to thank the WICB for its very positive support to the BCB in acquiring the services of Courtney.’
-With New Age input
