The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) landed a major coup yesterday when they confirmed the appointment of Richard Halsall as fielding coach of the national team for the impending tour of the West Indies.
Halsall, who is a former Zimbabwean and first-class cricketer, has already reached the Caribbean to join the Tigers ahead of the three-match ODI series that will be followed by a Twenty20 international and two Tests.
Before joining the Tigers, Halsall performed his duties as an assistant coach with the English national side for four years. The 45-year old’s current contract with England expires in October this year. BCB acting CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury informed once Halsall’s contract comes to an end, he will be permanently assigned as fielding coach of Bangladesh pending clearance from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
“After getting clearance from the ECB, the new fielding coach will be appointed permanently. His contract with the ECB will expire this October,” said Nizamuddin.
Prior to his role as the English assistant coach, Halsall was the fielding consultant of England for two years from 2008-2010. He was also the fielding coach of Sussex County Cricket Club from 1998-2006.
Born in Zimbabwe but brought up as a Lancastrian, Halsall is highly regarded in the England set-up. When he was appointed as the fielding coach in 2008, he was the first ever appointment made by England in the fielding department. He was credited with improving England’s fielding performances drastically and was revered by former England team director, Andy Flower.
With Halsall’s appointment, Bangladesh’s coaching staff is almost complete with the exception of the physiotherapist.
Former Sri Lankan cricketer Chandika Hathurusingha was recently assigned as head coach while former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak is the bowling coach of the Tigers. Mario Villavarayan is the strength and conditioning coach while Ruwan Kalpage was recently appointed as the Tigers’ assistant and spin coach. Outgoing physio Vibhav Singh will soon vacate his post and the subsequent appointment of a new physiotherapist will complete Bangladesh’s set-up.