Courtney Walsh to become Bangladesh specialist bowling coach

Walsh, who took 519 Test wickets and 227 in ODIs in a 17-year international career, was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the year in 1987.

St. John`s: Former West Indies paceman Courtney Walsh has agreed a three-year deal to become specialist bowling coach with the Bangladesh team, the West Indies Cricket Board announced Wednesday.

Walsh completes his assignment as a selector for the West Indies this month, a post he occupied for the last two years, and will take up his new position in September.

"I`m thrilled to be joining the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) as their specialist bowling coach," said the 53-year-old.

"Having watched Bangladesh cricket from afar over the years, they are a seriously talented bunch of players. Chandika Hathurusingha has done a wonderful job as 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 in coaching at the international level with a talented group, was one I couldn`t let that opportunity pass."

Walsh took 519 Test wickets and 227 in ODIs in a 17-year international career.

He was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the year in 1987.

His move to Bangladesh, however, comes at a tense time for the Asian team.

Only last week, England finally agreed to go ahead with a tour in October despite fears it may be called off after an attack on a Dhaka cafe in July saw 20 -- mostly foreign -- hostages killed, with the Islamic State group claiming responsibility.