Courtney Walsh

DHAKA: West Indies fast bowling great Courtney Walsh has agreed to become Bangladesh’s bowling coach and will begin his three-year role this week, the country’s cricket board said yesterday. The 53-year-old Walsh, the most successful bowler from the Caribbean with 519 test wickets, recently completed his role as a West Indies selector and his contract with Bangladesh runs until the 2019 World Cup in England.

“Having watched Bangladesh cricket from afar over the years, they are a seriously talented bunch of players,” Walsh said in a statement. “Chandika Hathurusinghe 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 side and been a bowling consultant for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League among others.

Walsh, who played for West Indies for 17 years and also took 227 wickets in one-dayers, will prepare Bangaldesh’s attack for three 50- over matches against Afghanistan at home before they host a high-profile series against England next month. “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 Board chief executive Nizam Uddin 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.” — Reuters