Former West Indies fast-bowling legend Courtney Walsh has been appointed Zimbabwe’s new bowling coach, with the celebrated paceman set to begin his tenure during the upcoming white-ball series against Bangladesh.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed the appointment on 1 July after its board approved the decision at a meeting on 23 June. Walsh, who previously served as Bangladesh’s bowling coach, joins the national set-up as Zimbabwe look to build on their recent resurgence in international cricket.
The 62-year-old will officially take charge of Zimbabwe’s bowling unit ahead of the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, which begins on 6 July. The two teams will also face each other in a three-match Twenty20 International series starting on 15 July.
Walsh returns to a familiar environment, having worked extensively in Bangladesh between 2016 and 2019 as the Tigers’ bowling coach. During that period, he helped nurture the country’s pace attack, working closely with several fast bowlers and contributing to the development of Bangladesh’s seam-bowling resources. His vast international experience is expected to provide valuable guidance to Zimbabwe’s bowlers as they continue their progress.
The Jamaican is already well acquainted with Zimbabwe’s current squad. Earlier this year, he served as a consultant during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Zimbabwe exceeded expectations during the tournament, recording impressive victories over Australia and Sri Lanka to finish top of their group before progressing to the Super Eight stage.
Their successful campaign also secured direct qualification for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, a significant achievement that reflected the team’s growing competitiveness on the global stage. Walsh’s contribution as a consultant is believed to have played a role in that progress, making his appointment as full-time bowling coach a natural next step.
Zimbabwe Cricket has retained Justin Sammons as head coach, signalling confidence in the team’s current direction. The remainder of the coaching staff also remains unchanged, ensuring continuity as the side prepares for a demanding international calendar.
Former Zimbabwe batter Dion Ebrahim will continue as assistant coach, while Stuart Matsikenyeri will retain responsibility for lower-order batting and fielding. With Walsh now overseeing the bowling department, Zimbabwe have assembled an experienced coaching group aimed at maintaining the team’s upward trajectory across all formats.
The immediate challenge will be the limited-overs series against Bangladesh. Walsh’s first assignment comes just days after Zimbabwe secured a morale-boosting victory over the Tigers in the one-off Test, winning by an innings and 85 runs. The comprehensive triumph has provided the hosts with considerable confidence as they shift their attention to the ODI and T20I contests.
For Bangladesh, the series will also mark a reunion with a coach who played an important role in the development of their pace attack. Walsh remains highly respected within Bangladesh cricket for his professionalism, technical knowledge and ability to mentor young fast bowlers.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, Walsh enjoyed a distinguished international career with the West Indies, claiming 519 Test wickets over nearly two decades. His longevity, consistency and exemplary sportsmanship earned him widespread admiration, and he has since established himself as one of the most respected bowling coaches in world cricket.
Zimbabwe Cricket’s decision to appoint Walsh underlines its commitment to strengthening the national team’s coaching structure as it seeks to build on recent successes. With renewed confidence following an impressive World Cup campaign and a settled coaching staff in place, Zimbabwe will hope Walsh’s expertise helps further develop its pace attack and enhances the team’s prospects in international cricket.