Cricket: Courtney Walsh breaks the ice with Bangladesh cricketers

Newly appointed bowling coach of Bangladesh, West Indies legend Courtney Walsh broke the ice with cricketers today at the practice session at Mirpur.

In the first meeting with the Bangladesh cricketers, Walsh got introduced to Mashrafe and co, and shared some lights moments with them as well, reports our correspondent. Walsh passed on his message for the practice match tomorrow, and hoped to start working in full flow after the cricketers return from their Eid vacation on September 17.

The renowned fast bowler, towering over the members of his new team, became the source of some wry humour, especially from the relatively shorter cricketers as they complained about the constant neck-pain from looking up to the man. Walsh, on the other hand didn’t issue any serious directives, and told the bowlers to continue what they have been doing in the practice match tomorrow.

On September 1, Courtney Walsh officially became the specialist bowling coach of Bangladesh national cricket team. Speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday, he said that he is confident that he can help develop Bangladesh's bowling department during his tenure.

"I won't say names but Bangladesh's bowling has done extremely well in the last few years and I am happy to be a part of this team,” Walsh explained.

"When the BCB CEO first approached me he said that I was their number one target. That made me realise how serious the board was. I also think that the BCB has done a lot for the players in terms of facilities and that too encouraged me.” 

The West Indian fast bowler and the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1987 hopes that he can pass on the spirit that he and Curtly Ambrose had shared during their playing days to the Bangladeshi pacers.