Davs upbeat

[pilot fan]

Whatmore eyes English challenge

April 25, 2005


Dav Whatmore, who has renewed his contract as Bangladesh coach despite sporadic rumours that he may be offered the Indian job, is looking ahead to the team’s first tour of England, which also serves as a curtain-raiser to the most eagerly anticipated Ashes series of recent times.

Whatmore took charge of Bangladesh in June 2003, and despite frequent blips, there have been some encouraging performances, most notably a first-ever Test series win against Zimbabwe, and an ODI triumph against India last December. Whatmore, who had previously led Sri Lanka to World Cup glory in 1996, is quoted by Pakistan’s The News as saying: "My employers were very, very keen I stay with them and they have been pretty happy with progress of team."

Bangladesh have recently introduced a four-day domestic competition, and the Under-19s upset Australia in the World Cup last year, prompting much optimism about the game’s future in the country. "There are continuing challenges along the way as team has only begun their journey,” said Whatmore. “They are pretty much a young group of players, not necessarily in years but in experience."

A two-Test series against an English side rated second only to Australia will be an arduous challenge, as will the triangular NatWest Series that follows, with Australia providing the additional opposition.

"It’s going to be extremely tough, there is no question about it," said Whatmore, when asked about the challenge of playing in the early part of the English summer. "But having said that we are keen to make an impression to really test and push the opposition.

"I’m not going to make predictions but we are looking forward to the tour very much. In the Test matches, we are playing the second-ranked team in the world so that’s very difficult in itself. In home conditions, it’s even more difficult."

© Cricinfo

[sajjadul]

It may be just one side of his face ....

[Desh Bangla]

Don't talk rubbish , it would be one sided and stuff . Habibul said , it doesn't matter who is our coach but we have to play our game coach is not gonna play so , think about that . Coach is a factor to teach the game but to win the game only the stategy works from the coach nothing else mind it not the good batting and good bowling niether the good fielding . It's their game let them play it . This time they would be confiedent what will help them .

[Carte Blanche]

My employers were very, very keen I stay with them and they have been pretty happy with progress of team.

Seems to me he is more concerned about his image. I don't really know if he himself looks forward to coaching us anymore.

[Red Cherry]

he is now talking like a real pro. devoid of any emotion....bit difficult to digest.

[Desh Bangla]

Every contract has get-out clause incase a family problem happens right !!!!!!!! It says in the Indian Express it doesn't mean i would go for India if ya guys think bad about Whatmore then he will loose the interests from our team and won't provide a good help . So , don't talk bad about him we need him to perform by our players on the field .

[Locutus]

Originally posted by Desh Bangla
... Whatmore then he will loose the interests from our team and won't provide a good help . So , don't talk bad about him we need him to perform by our players on the field .

Hehehe... You still think he has the interests of coaching our team. He is still here because of the money. He has no where else to go at this moment. If he gets any other offer he will say GOOD BYE to Bangladesh.

[Desh Bangla]

England never won the cricket world-cup that's our biggest plus point in odi's .....

[Akib]

They may have not won a WC but they were able to beat Aussies in the Champions Trophy.

[nasimul]

I expect Bd player's are now mature enough to handle these roumers and it will not effect them to play natural game.

[Fazal]

Davs upbeat

Hobe na. Money talks.