Bangladesh's New Coach (16 July 1999)

16 July 1999

Eddie Barlow for Bangladesh?

Zahid Newaz in Dhaka

There is a hint that Bangladesh's next coach would be either from Australia or South Africa. The new coach will take over in August. But, the question is that who would be successor of Gordon Greenidge?

Several names are being discussed in Dhaka. But the name of one former allrounder is on the top. He is South African Eddie Barlow.

Vernacular Bangla daily Bhorer Kagoj, owned by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President and Deputy Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Thursday reported that Eddie Barlow was due in Dhaka on Saturday.

"Yes, it's true that he is coming here. We'll be having discussions. But it doesn't mean that he is the only man being considers," Saber said adding that the BCB had contacts with several others and it will take decision on appointing a new coach after talking to them also.

Sources said Eddie Barlow is coming to Dhaka following discussion between Saber Hossain Chowdhury and United Cricket Board of South Africa Managing Director Ali Bacher.

Born on August 12, 1940, Edgar John Barlow was debuted in Test cricket in 1961-62 against New Zealand. He played his last Test at Port Elizabeth in 1969-70 against Australia. It was also the last Test match for South Africa before they were banned in international cricket.

The right-hand allrounder played 57 innings in 30 Tests scoring 2,516 runs. His average was 45.74 with six centuries. Barlow's career best score was 201. With his medium pace, he also grabbed 40 wickets.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh's former coach Gordon Greenidge, who was dropped from the team only a day before expiring of his contract, had a meeting with country's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in London on Wednesday.

Press reports said Gordon had a meeting with the sports-loving Prime Minister, who was visiting UK, but didn't elaborate anything.

Earlier the Prime Minister who, expressed her anger over dismissing the legendary West Indian from the team only a day before Bangladesh's historic victory against Pakistan in World Cup on May 31, sent the cheque of the award that she announced for the victors.

Bangladesh's State Minister for Sports and Cultural Affairs Obaidul Qader handed over the cheque in London.

Gordon didn't come to Bangladesh when his boys was given a heroes reception on their return from UK in early June.

* In another development in Bangladesh cricket, authorities announced the tour programme of England A team. While touring from October 18 to November 5 this year, England A will play one one-day, one three-day and one four-day matches against Bangladesh national squad. Besides, they will also play two one-day against Bangladesh A and Bangladesh under-19 teams.

October 17: Departure from UK October 18: Arrival in Dhaka October 19-21: Practice October 22: one-day against Bangladesh U-19 October 23: one-day against Bangladesh A October 24: Rest/Practice October 25-27: Three-day match against Bangladesh October 28: Practice October 29: One-day against Bangladesh (day-night) October 30: Rest October 31: Practice November 1-4: Four-day match against Bangladesh November 5: Departing Dhaka for New Zealand

Source :: CI365