Walsh to join Bangladesh as bowling coach

West Indies great Courtney Walsh is set to take over as bowling coach of the Bangladesh cricket team on a three-year contract.

Walsh, who was the first bowler to take 500 test wickets, has worked as a West Indies selector since he retired as a player but has not held a senior coaching role at the international level.

The 53-year-old Walsh says Bangladesh has a “seriously talented bunch of players” and he’s looking forward to working with head coach Chandika Hathurusingha as a replacement for specialist bowling coach Heath Streak.

“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,” he said.

“Bangladesh cricket at present is going through the best pace bowling phase in our history,” Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury was quoted as saying. “And Courtney’s involvement, I am sure will take it to greater heights.”