Cricket: Courtney Walsh becomes Bangladesh bowling coach

One of the most iconic fast bowlers to come out of the Caribbean, West Indies legend Courtney Walsh officially became the specialist bowling coach of Bangladesh national cricket team today.

The 53-year old Walsh, who is expected to reach Dhaka in the first week of September to take up his new responsibility said he was eagerly awaiting the exciting challenge ahead: “I am thrilled to be joining the BCB as their Specialist Bowling Coach.  I am really looking forward to getting started with the group, according to Bangladesh Cricket Board’s media release.

“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.”

Walsh has reached an agreement with the BCB which is effective from 01 September 2016 and runs up to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in England.

BCB CEO Nizam Uddin Chowdhury said Walsh’s vast experience will be a valuable addition to a growing 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.”

The record wicket-taker for the West Indies in Tests with 519 scalps to his name, Walsh has performed a variety of roles since retiring from international cricket in 2001 including coaching and talent spotting work, especially with fast bowlers and mentoring teams.

He has managed the West Indies Under 19 side, had been a bowling consultant for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League, was a part of the coaching team for the ICC Americas Cricket Combine and more recently, a selector of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).