Mhambrey to coach Bengal

Paras Mhambrey, the former Indian medium-pacer, has been appointed as the coach of the Bengal state side for the 2005-06 domestic season. Mhambrey, who played two Tests for India in 1996, completed the Level 3 coaching diploma from the National Cricket Academy and coached Maharashtra for the last two seasons.

"Mhambrey - currently engaged in league cricket in England for Maidenhead Club - will arrive here towards the end of next month and take charge from September 1," Bablu Kolay, the joint secretary of the Cricket Association of Bengal told The Calcutta Telegraph. Mhambrey would be assisted by Udaybhanu Banerjee, who was the coach of the Under-19 team last year. Also fitness trainer Ranadeep Moitra, a physio and a video analyst would be Mhambrey's support staff.

Karsan Ghavri, the former Indian allrounder who coached Bengal for the last two seasons, has been appointed as the Mumbai coach and Bengal, who just managed to avoid relegation last year, will hope Mhambrey can help them turn the tide.

While the Bengal Under-19 team will be coached by Dattatreya Mukherjee and Rajesh Dani, Palash Nandy and Madan Ghosh have been named as coaches of the Under-17 team.