Walsh targets final

Courtney Walsh today said that his first assignment in the Sri Lanka T20I Tri-series as interim head coach of the Tigers would be very challenging. The legendary West Indies pace bowler however was excited to take up the new role.

"I am very excited that the board had the confidence to bestow this position on me. It is every coach's dream. I know it is an interim job. I am going to try my best in terms of our execution and game plan. I am looking forward to the challenge," Walsh told reporters at Mirpur this afternoon.

Bangladesh will leave Dhaka tomorrow to take part in the Nidahas Trophy, which will also feature India and hosts Sri Lanka.

He admitted that Bangladesh will enter into the tournament as underdogs, but also did not rule out the chance of making it to the final.  

"I think we have a very good chance. Obviously we will be going as the underdogs, playing against two quality teams. I think if we play consistently enough, we have a good chance to make it to the finals. Once we are there, things will be taken one game at a time. We will be hoping that we can give a good account of ourselves and play good, consistent cricket," said the Bangladesh coach, adding that they would have to do something different in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan.

The Premier Bangladesh all-rounder is still nursing a finger injury he sustained in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka at home in Janurary this year.

"Everybody has to step up to the plate. Shakib is still getting treatment so we are not sure when he might be available. We have to plan at the moment without him being there. I don't want to divulge too much of the plans. We are going to have to do things a bit differently in this absence. He is a hard player to replace overnight. He does everything – bat, bowl, field and captain. As soon as he is well enough to play, we will have to get him there," Walsh observed.   

He said that his message to the players would be to enjoy their game and execute the plans.

 "We want to play one game at a time. I will tell them to go out there and express themselves and enjoy the game. They have to execute the game plan as best as they can. It is no point going into a game with added pressure. We have to relax and enjoy what we are doing, with purpose. I want them to feel proud playing for Bangladesh," he said, adding that it would be good test for his charges against two quality sides.

 "Sri Lanka is always a dangerous side. India played very good cricket in South Africa. They are up there in the rankings. We are up against two top sides. It will be a good test for us," he concluded.