Newly-appointed interim coach of Bangladesh, Courtney Walsh, has spoken in a press conference addressing various issues. Walsh had been the bowling coach of the nation, but has seen him go one place above as he will lead Bangladesh as its head coach for the Nidahas Trophy.

After the disappointing performances of the Tigers in the tri-series final, Test series and T20I series all against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh are looking to bounce back in the tri-nation against Sri Lanka and India.

And Walsh spoke about a variety of issues, beginning from the challenge the tour provides, the errors from the past, about the role of senior players, special training camps, conditions in Sri Lanka, his decision to accept the role of coach and how it reminds him of his captaincy stint with West Indies and some other things in general.

Here are the excerpts of his conference…

On the upcoming Nidahas tri-series

“We have a very testing tour coming up in Sri Lanka. As one who likes to accept challenges, it is important to play quality and consistent cricket. I am happy to be given the opportunity to do so. I will give it the best shot and ensure we play good positive cricket.”

On tactical errors

“We will look at everything overall - the type of cricket that we want to and need to play. We are going to sit in the next couple of days and just look at everything that we have to do, to give ourselves the chance to do the job. It is not just one area but all areas that will help us to win games.”

On the role of senior players and the importance of teanwork

“We will try to give everybody specific roles, to carry out their task. Imrul and Taskin have that experience, so it is good to have them back in. Hopefully they have the hunger in the belly and want to do well whenever they get the opportunity. If we can play well together as a team, we will give a good account of ourselves.”

On special training camp and how the bowlers have impressed him

“We were more focused on the bowlers. It was good for the batsmen to get a knock. I have seen the bowlers improve in the last couple of days. But you are never going to see it unless it is in the middle, in a match. I was pretty impressed with what they have done so far. They have made some good improvement in control and consistency, and getting the job done the way they are supposed to get the job done. If we can transform it into the middle on match day, then we will be able to give a better account of ourselves.”

On Sri Lankan conditions

“It is similar but we just have to assess when we get there. Take it from there. We have a rough idea of what to expect.”

On his decision to take on the role of the interim coach and why it wasn’t a difficult decision for him

“We were without a head coach for the last couple of series. I was asked to do the job. It wasn’t something that needed a long discussion. I am here. I want to try to do the best for Bangladesh cricket, try to get us to be more consistent. Once the opportunity came, it wasn’t anything too difficult to discuss. I want to improve what we are doing here and hopefully take up a challenge.”

On whether it reminded him of West Indies captaincy and how he enjoyed the challenge

“It does. It gives you a sense of responsibility. You have to look after a group of guys, and ensure they are doing the right thing. It also gives you some chance to think clearly about what you want to do and achieve. My first stint into responsibility was as an interim captain. I enjoyed that as we had some success, so if I can transform that here and get the same sort of impetus and mobility going forward, I will be very happy. It is going to be very challenging. But, I will take it one game at a time.”

On whether it is difficult to take on the interim coach’s role