Bangladesh Appoint Speed Merchant Shaun Tait as Fast-Bowling Coach

The former Australian tearaway will guide Bangladesh’s pace attack through two World Cups

📅 May 14, 2025 ⏱️ 4 min read

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has made a bold move by appointing former Australian speedster Shaun Tait as their new fast-bowling coach. The 42-year-old will take charge of Bangladesh’s pace battery until November 2027, a tenure that will cover two ICC global events – the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

                “It’s a good time to be involved with the Bangladesh cricket team right now, a bit of a new era if you like,” Tait said in his first statement after the appointment. “The young talent with the fast bowlers is great. This is international cricket, not a development team, and everyone expects the talent to bring results.”
            

The Tait Effect

Known as one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history during his playing days, Tait brings a wealth of experience to the role. His coaching philosophy revolves around simplicity and mindset rather than technical overhauls. “I’m not a by-the-book coach,” Tait has said in previous coaching roles. “A lot of it goes on feel, learning about the player.”

This approach could prove invaluable for Bangladesh’s young fast bowlers like Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Hasan Mahmud, who have shown promise but need guidance to achieve consistency at the highest level.

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Coaching Pedigree

Tait arrives with considerable coaching experience, having previously worked with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and West Indies as bowling coach. His most recent assignment was as head coach of the Chittagong Kings in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where he worked closely with current Bangladesh pacers Shoriful Islam and Khaled Ahmed.

He replaces Andre Adams, whose contract ended via mutual agreement after overseeing Bangladesh’s bowling through the 2024 T20 World Cup and into the Champions Trophy.

What Tait Brings to Bangladesh

Express Pace Expertise: As one of history’s fastest bowlers, Tait understands the unique demands of high-speed bowling
Subcontinent Experience: His coaching stints with Pakistan and Afghanistan provide valuable regional knowledge
T20 Specialization: With 171 T20 matches as a player, he brings modern white-ball insights
Injury Management: His own injury-plagued career makes him sensitive to fast bowlers’ physical limits
Entertainment Focus: Believes in making fast bowling exciting, which could inspire Bangladesh’s attack

Immediate Challenges

Tait takes over during a busy period for Bangladesh cricket. The team has a packed schedule of T20Is, ODIs, and Tests leading into next year’s T20 World Cup. His first major assignment will be preparing Bangladesh’s pace attack for the upcoming home series against South Africa in July, followed by tours to England and Australia later in the year.

A New Era for Bangladesh Fast Bowling

As Bangladesh cricket enters what Tait calls “a new era,” his appointment signals the BCB’s commitment to developing a world-class pace attack. With his unique blend of experience, expertise, and unconventional methods, the Australian speed merchant might just be the catalyst Bangladesh’s fast bowlers need to reach new heights on the global stage.