Neil Mckenzie could be roped in as Bangladesh batting consultant

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan Papon feels that there’s a need of a batting consultant for the Bangladesh national team. He informed the media that the board has short-listed a few names and the decision will be made public as soon as possible. The board could name the person for the designated post within a week, if possible.

Mckenzie in reckoning for the post

As per the sources, Grant Flower and Hashan Tillakaratne were few of the names that were discussed but it is most likely South Africa’s Neil Mckenzie could be the new batting consultant for the Tigers. BCB president even mentioned that the batting consultant would be available before every tour and whenever there are long breaks. He said that the team doesn’t need a full-time batting specialist.

“We are very close to announcing someone as a batting consultant. We wanted someone full-time but the person we’ve chosen is of a higher level,” informed the board. Earlier, Thilan Samaraweera had worked with Bangladesh from last year’s England series. He was sacked in July this year, just a month before Australia tour.

Hathurusingha’s departure, a big blow

Bangladesh cricket was hit when the former coach Chandika Hathurusingha ended his term as the head coach. “The board is in no hurry to appoint a new head coach,” said Papon.

There were news doing the rounds that Gary Kirsten could be roped in by the BCB as a consultant for the national side. Gary had much success with Indian cricket team in the past during his tenure as the head coach.

BCB cleared the air on the news and stated that they didn’t want Gary to be the head coach but merely as a consultant. Kirsten, who is currently working with Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, is also appointed as the head coach for Royal Challengers Bangalore for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League, is the prime reason for his unavailability as the head coach.