"Eric Simons has been appointed Bowling Consultant of the Indian cricket team for the Test series against Bangladesh, and the Test and ODI series against South Africa," BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan said in a brief statement.

The Test series against Bangladesh starts January 17 while the two Tests and three one-dayers against South Africa are scheduled next month.

India has been without a bowling coach ever since Venkatesh Prasad was sacked following the team's disastrous Champions Trophy campaign in September-October last year.

The 47-year-old Simons, who played 23 one-dayers, was South Africa's national coach from 2002-2004.

The current India coach Gary Kirsten had played under him in that period. He also worked as a bowling consultant for Indian Premier League side Royal Challengers Bangalore when the IPL was held in South Africa last year.

His appointment comes just days after Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni stated that Kirsten has been left overburdened after the sacking of Prasad and fielding coach Robin Singh.

India have not yet named any replacement for Robin Singh