Windies ask Walsh to help out

Courtney Walsh, the former West Indies fast bowler and the leading Test wicket taker in the world, has been asked by the West Indian board to help prepare their fast bowlers for the forthcoming Test series against England.

Walsh has reportedly been asked to work only in his native Jamaica, but he said he would be willing to work elsewhere, claiming that the board should seek the help of other past greats as well.

"I am really delighted to help in whatever way I can," said Walsh. "The bowling has been a real concern for everyone in the West Indies in recent times. I think the areas that really bother cricket fans are the lack of consistency and lack of penetration.

"I hope I can use my experience to help them to do a better job in these two areas, because I believe once we solve our bowling problems we will be a force to be reckoned with."

Walsh, who took a record 519 Test wickets in his career, added: "The West Indies board should be using more of their quality players to help with the team. There are so many very good, and even great, players sitting in the West Indies - but they have not been asked to help in any way by the board. There is Curtly Ambrose, Sir Garfield Sobers, Joel Garner and others who have contributed so much to West Indies Cricket and could help this team significantly."