Mashrafe excited to meet idol

Bangladesh limited-over captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza is excited to have his all-time hero West Indies fast bowling legend Courtney Walsh as the new Tigers bowling coach for the next three years. According to Mashrafe, Walsh's presence in the dressing room will boost the morale of the players. He also believes the Bangladesh bowling attack in Test cricket will improve after his inclusion. “Obviously it's great to have a high profile player like him. Not only the pacers, I think he will help all the players in the dressing room. I hope our bowling department will be benefited hugely, especially in Test cricket. I am expecting a lot from him and I hope all the players will think the same,” Mashrafe told the media on Thursday. Although Mashrafe met another West Indies fast bowling great Andy Roberts before Walsh back in 2001, it is the latter who has had the most effect on the Bangladesh skipper. “Andy Roberts had a huge influence and was the turning point of my career. He helped me a lot. But I always said in my long playing career, I was always a huge fan of Walsh. I watched him bowl since my childhood,” said Mashrafe. “And since Walsh himself is coming as our bowling coach, obviously I want to learn a lot from him as there are a lot of things to learn from him. Overall, I am very excited,” he added.