Bangladesh Boosts Batting: Julian Wood Joins as Power-Hitting Coach Ahead of Asia Cup

Bangladesh is set to welcome renowned power-hitting coach Julian Wood to their setup in August. This move aims to sharpen their batting prowess ahead of the T20 Asia Cup, scheduled to commence on September 9 in the UAE.

Julian Wood has previously worked with the Chattogram Challengers in the BPL © BCB

Julian Wood's prior experience in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is expected to benefit the national team.

Following a demanding schedule, Bangladesh's national cricketers are currently on a break. Their preparations for the Asia Cup are slated to begin on August 6 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Wood, known for his role in transforming England's white-ball cricket through power-hitting techniques, is anticipated to arrive before the training camp commences. He will be providing guidance to the players for a three-week period.

A senior BCB official confirmed to Cricbuzz on Saturday, "We are hoping that he will arrive before the start of camp scheduled ahead of the Asia Cup."

Wood, who has previous experience working with Bangladeshi cricketers as a guide for the Chattogram Challengers in the Bangladesh Premier League, shared similar sentiments.

"Yeah, I'm talking to Simmo (Phil Simmons). Basically, I'm there for three weeks in August. That's what I've heard, but it's not confirmed yet. But it's more than likely. You obviously spoke to BCB," Wood stated.

He further added, "In August, yeah (will be reaching Dhaka) prior to the Asia Cup. Don't know (after Asia Cup) as it depends on them (BCB) I suppose."

Wood emphasized the existing talent within the Bangladesh squad, stating, "I think the key for me is there's a lot of talent there. They've always had talent. When it comes to white ball cricket, striking the ball is obviously a major part of the game now."

"It (my job) will be to give them information and the key thing is how to use their power, how to generate their power and use that power more efficiently," he explained.

Expressing his anticipation, Wood said, "I'm really looking forward to these three weeks because I've got history there. And they've talked about this for a while now."

"I reckon, they talked about this for the last three to four years. Nothing's really happened, but it's happening now, I'm happy," he concluded.

In addition to appointing a power-hitting coach, a BCB official revealed plans to recruit a sports psychologist to assist cricketers in managing the mental aspects of the game.

"We are hoping to bring a sports psychologist and along with them we are eyeing to include some local psychologist so that they can learn from him as well as help our cricketers with the language as it can be a barrier," the official stated.

Reportedly, David Scott, who previously collaborated with Bangladesh's High Performance Unit, is expected to assume the role of sports psychologist.

Scott's expertise lies in the field of sport and exercise psychology, where he teaches and conducts research. He has served as a consultant for numerous government departments and private companies, as well as a sport psychology consultant for various teams and organizations.

Furthermore, a BCB official mentioned ongoing discussions with several international teams, including Nepal and the Netherlands, to organize a bilateral series in preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup.

BCB cricket operation chairman Najmul Abedin told reporters, "India were supposed to come to Bangladesh. We were counting on that. We thought we would go to the Asia Cup after playing India at home. Since they are not coming at the moment, we are trying to get another country to come to Bangladesh. Other leading countries are busy with their schedules. We are trying beyond that. It could be Nepal or the Netherlands."

He further elaborated, "If we don't get foreign teams, from now on, we are thinking of playing a series with the next possible best team - it will be compulsory. That way, the national team will prepare well. More importantly, those who are close to the national team will also face good competition. But at the moment, our first priority is to bring in a foreign team."