Ashwell Prince, Rangana Herath Join Bangladesh's Coaching Staff

Published - 26 Jun 2021, 07:31 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:48 AM

Rangana Herath (Photo- AFP)

Former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath has been appointed as Bangladesh’s spin-bowling consultant until the T20 World Cup later in the year in the UAE. Former South Africa batsman Ashwell Prince will be their batting consultant during the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe.

Both of them will travel to Zimbabwe later this week to join the Bangladesh side for their series of one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is in July.

Rangana Herath retired from international cricket in 2018 as the most successful left-arm bowler having taken 433 wickets in 93 Tests at 28.07. He had made his debut in 1999 but remained under the shadow of legendary teammate Muttiah Muralitharan.

It was only after Muralitharan retired from Test cricket in 2010, he became Sri Lanka’s lead spinner; Rangana Herath even went on to captain his country in the longest format towards the end of his career. He has completed his Level 3 coaching course (ICC/SLC) with a specialization in spin bowling.

First international coaching assignments for Rangana Herath, Ashwell Prince

Rangana Herath pipped over former India legspinner Sairaj Bahutule and the former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal for this role. The left-arm spinner replaces another left-arm spinner – former New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori, whose 100-day contract with the BCB ended in April 2021.

Ashwell Prince, who retired from international cricket in 2014, has earlier coached the Cape Cobras since 2016 and also served as a national selector. He has also been South Africa A’s interim head coach and batting consultant.

The former left-handed batsman was chosen over former Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons for the batting consultant role. Prince, who replaces Jon Lewis, will join a couple of more South Africans – head coach Russell Domingo and fielding coach Ryan Cook – the Bangladesh coaching department.

Both Rangana Herath and Ashwell Prince would be observed in their performances before being considered for long-term roles.

“We discussed Ashwell Prince’s appointment with coach Russell Domingo who rates him highly. He will be with us during the Zimbabwe tour, after which we will decide. Herath will be with us till the World Cup T20. If things go well, we will think about them as long-term options,” BCB’s cricket operations chairman Akram Khan said.

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ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 Rangana Herath