Sunil Joshi appointed Bangladesh spin bowling coach for Australia series

Former Indian left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi has been appointed as spin bowling coach of the Bangladesh team for two Test matches against Australia. This development has come after Aussies leg-spinner Stuart MacGill refused to take up the job.

The appointment of the left-arm spinner was confirmed by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) cricket operations committee chairman Akram Khan. He also stated that Joshi will work with Bangladeshi spinners for 20 days and will be with the team during the series.

“He is scheduled to arrive right ahead of the first Test against Australia and stay till the end of the series,” Akram told Dhaka Tribune. It has also been reported that the former India cricketer and BCB would contemplate about the long-term agreement after the end of the Australia series.

Bangladesh had been looking for a spin coach since Ruwan Kalpage, the man incharge before was sacked. Sunil previously worked with the team in February when Bangladesh toured India for a solitary historic Test. The veteran’s inputs would surely help the home side push the Australians to the wall. The series is expected to be keenly fought as Bangladesh have improved their game leaps and bounds in all the aspects of the game.

Sunil Joshi in India colours

The 47-year-old has contributed decently for India in his playing days. He donned the India jersey in 69 ODIs and 15 Tests. He picked 69 and 41 wickets in both the formats respectively. Sunil bowled a memorable spell against the mighty South Africans which had helped India to bowl the opposition out for a mere 117. His figures were outstanding and read 10-6-6-5 and his economy was a magical 0.6.

He was also handy with the bat in hand and contributed lower down the order when needed. Interestingly, he was also the part of Royal Challengers Bangalore squad in the IPL, though only for a solitary season.