Steve Rhodes Set to Become Bangladesh's Chief Coach

Steve Rhodes, the former England wicketkeeper-batsman, is all set to become Bangladesh’s new head coach across formats. Rhodes’ appointment will end Bangladesh’s long search for a coach since Chandika Hathurusingha resigned in October, last year.

According to media reports, Rhodes has emerged as the top candidate. It’s because other candidates have not been called up for a face-to-face interview.

Reports are also suggesting that Rhodes’ name was suggested by former Indian and South Africa coach Gary Kirsten.

Moreover, former Proteas recently plied his trade as Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) short-term consultant to find coaches.

However, the BCB is also in talks with Kirsten’s compatriot Lance Klusener as a batting consultant.

Rhodes confirmed the news before saying he was interested in taking up the job.

“I can confirm I’ve had talks with Bangladesh. And I can confirm I’m interested in what I think is a really prestigious role. But nothing is confirmed at this stage and nobody should jump the gun and presume it is,” Rhodes told ESPNcricinfo.

Nizamuddin Chowdhury also confirmed that Rhodes is in BCB’s shortlist. Chowdhury also said that Rhodes’ experience, especially in English conditions, make him the frontrunner for the job.

“Steve Rhodes is in our shortlist as a head coach. We are hoping that he will meet us in Dhaka in a couple of days. We shared our tentative candidates list with Gary Kirsten so this is a joint effort. The list is made up of his recommendations and our list, which is why Rhodes is coming this week,” Chowdhury maintained.

With the next World Cup in England and less than a year away, Rhodes’ rich experience of English conditions can be instrumental for him.

“We had initially approached big names and experienced coaches but they couldn’t come because of various reasons. Among the currently available coaches, Rhodes is the most experienced. Also, the 2019 World Cup will be held in England which is another reason that we are looking at him,” he added.

Chowdhury further said that whoever is appointed the new coach, would join the team during the training camp for the Windies tour later this month.

“During the break between the Afghanistan and West Indies series, we would expect the new coach to join the training camp ahead of the West Indies tour,” he said.

Rhodes represented England in 11 Tests and nine One-day Internationals. Rhodes served Worcestershire since 2006 before being sacked last year.

In 2017, Steve Rhodes was also sacked as England Under-19’s head coach just before the World Cup. He will have his task cut out replacing Lankan Hathurusingha.

The current Sri Lanka coach had enjoyed a very successful spell with the Tigers.

Hathurusingha guided Bangladesh to the quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup, and the semi-final of the 2017 Champions Trophy.

Under him, the Tigers registered ODI series victories over India, Pakistan and South Africa. In Tests, Bangladesh registered their first-ever win against England and Australia respectively at home, and against Sri Lanka away.