Bangaldesh hire Thilan Samaraweera as their batting coach
Sep 2, 2016 at 6:58 PM
Former Sri Lankan batsman Thilan Samaraweera has been appointed as the batting consultant by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for the forthcoming One Day International (ODI) and Test series against England, starting in October this year.
Earlier, the 39-year-old right-handed batsman had a short stint with Australian team before the Sri Lanka tour. Nazmul Hassan, the BCB’s president stated that Samaraweera has been hired only for the home series against England as of now, but his contract could also be extended.
“Thilan Samaraweera, the batting specialist, has been hired for the England series as a consultant,” Hassan said. “We will see if we want to extend him. We are still looking for a spin bowling coach. [We will] get the best among those available. We hope to appoint one before the New Zealand series.”
Richard Halsall, the former Zimbabwe allrounder, has been elevated to the role of assistant coach after Ruwan Kalpage’s contract was terminated as he failed to report for work by August 16, which was the deadline. Halsall, who has a proven track record as a fielding coach in the country circuit, was handed the role in 2014.
Bangladesh also hired legendary West Indies fast bowler Courtney Walsh as their bowling coach. This is the first time Bangladesh hired a famous former cricketer as their bowling coach.
Bangladesh is rising cricket team in international cricket. Last year since the 2015 World Cup they have defeated Pakistan, India, and South Africa, at their home. In the 2015 World Cup, they have defeated England in the group match.