Streak named bowling coach

Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak has been appointed specialist bowling coach of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Cricket Board announced on Sunday.

The name of Streak, who played 65 Tests and 189 one-day internationals, was being rumoured as bowling coach for quite some time but the BCB said it had to wait for his consent before making the formal announcement.

‘We got his agreement only last night,’ BCB spokesman Jalal Yunus told reporters.

Streak was a given a two-year contract during which he will work for at least 450 days in Bangladesh.

He will primarily work with the national side, but the BCB said they can involve him with any side.

Streak, 40, will join up with former Sri Lankan cricketer Chandika Hathurusinghe, who was appointed as head coach of the national cricket team last week.

‘Heath Streak has got a rich profile and his record speaks for him,’ Yunus told reporters in Dhaka. ‘As a coach he has worked with some top bowling coaches in the international arena.

‘He told us that coaching was his passion and we really appreciate that kind of desire,’ said Yunus.

Yunus, however, refused to provide any details about his remuneration package. ‘All I can say is that he will be paid for the days that he will work,’ he said.

The BCB earlier struck a similar deal with Pakistani cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq, who agreed to work for 100 days in a year. The deal did not work out as Saqlain could never complete the days that he had agreed.

Despite his commitment with Bangladesh, Saqlain took similar freelance assignment in other countries, but the BCB said the same thing is unlikely to be repeated with Streak.

‘He must seek BCB’ permission for working with other teams,’ said Yunus.

Streak is expected to arrive in Dhaka in the first week of June to work with the Tigers ahead of their home series against India, which begins on June 15.

Streak, who is currently in Bulawayo, said he was relishing the prospect of working with the Bangladesh team.

‘I look forward to the challenge of working with the Tigers and thank BCB for the opportunity,’ Streak was quoted as saying.

‘It is exciting for me to be back into the international coaching arena again.

‘It is my passion to coach at an elite level and I hope I can bring my experience as a former player and coach to the Bangladeshi bowlers.’

 Source : NEWAGE