Coaching Bangladesh is fulfillment of a dream for Walsh

Dhaka, Sep 4 (IANS) West Indies pace legend Courtney Walsh on Sunday said he always dreamed of coaching a national team after leaving a glittering 17-year career behind.

So, he had little to think over when the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) offered him the position of bowling coach, reports bdnews24.com.

The 53-year-old Jamaican set foot in Dhaka on Saturday night. He arrived at the BCB offices on Sunday afternoon to complete the formalities of his three-year contract.

"I think the opportunity presented itself. I've always dreamed of being involved with an international team. I didn't have to think too hard about this opportunity," Walsh later told reporters.

"There was something that I wanted to get done as well, so I am happy to be part of it."

Walsh - the first bowler to reach the landmark tally of 500 Testwickets - credited BCB Chief Executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury for clearing up any doubt which he may have had.

"I remember when Nizam got in touch with me and said they were interested, I said let me think about it," he added.

"We went back and forth but when he said 'you are our No. 1 target', that was something that I gave it a serious consideration.

"It showed that they wanted to take their cricket to another level. We started the chat from there and I am here."

Having previously praised Chandika Hathurusingha's exploits as head coach in the growth of Bangladesh cricket, he hoped to contribute to the team's success.

"I arrived here last night to do the best I can for Bangladesh cricket working with the head coach. Together we can achieve some good successes for Bangladesh cricket," Walsh added.

--IANS

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