Courtney Walsh named Bangladesh's specialist bowling coach

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on 1 September confirmed the signing of West Indies legend Courtney Walsh as its specialist bowling coach.

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," he 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.

"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). 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.

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.

"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.