“I Have No Control, It’s a BCB Matter; At This Moment, I’m Open”

Julian Wood arrived in Bangladesh on a 28-day contract as a power-hitting coach. During his brief tenure, he worked not only with the national team but also with women’s and age-group sides. While he quickly won over the players, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has not renewed his contract, which expires today (Wednesday). Wood is scheduled to return to England afterwards.

Before departing, he shared his candid thoughts with Dhaka Post about his experience in Bangladesh, the players’ progress, and the potential of Bangladeshi cricket.

Dhaka Post: You worked with both the national and age-group teams. How was the experience overall?

Julian Wood: It was a wonderful experience—about four weeks in total. I started with the women’s team for the first five days, which was brilliant. They are extremely talented and hardworking. Then I moved to the men’s team. Overall, the attitude was very positive.

Looking at statistics, the top three teams—India, Australia, and England—are ahead of Bangladesh and most other teams. My job was to narrow that gap, and I think we made good progress. We also worked with the Under-19 team right before their England tour, which was quite remarkable.

Dhaka Post: How did you find the women’s team?

Wood: They are very skilled. Their basic batting technique was strong, which made my job easier. My focus was on adding new elements to their learning and improving their mental approach. Positive mindset is crucial; with it, movements and performance follow.

Dhaka Post: Did anyone in the U19 squad stand out?

Wood: The youth team is solid, with strong fundamentals in batting. Many of them have excellent bat control. I didn’t get much time to work closely with each player, so I won’t name anyone specifically. However, they are highly talented, and I am eager to see how they perform against England.

Dhaka Post: There is a perception that Bangladeshi players lack power-hitting ability. Do you agree?

Wood: That’s not entirely true. They do have the ability, but it’s about rhythm, timing, and movement. Physical strength is not the only factor. Confidence and proper technique matter more. Once a player reads the ball correctly and has the right timing, they can hit powerfully and effectively.

Dhaka Post: How did Liton and Shanto progress during your short tenure?

Wood: They are technically sound with good strength. Many believe Bangladeshi players lack power, but they are strong enough for big shots. The key is maintaining rhythm and confidence, which allows them to use their skills optimally.

Dhaka Post: Did the batters demonstrate power-hitting in the Netherlands series?

Wood: Yes, especially on the first day. The pitch was good, and Bangladesh chased excellently. I wanted them to dominate the game and reach 60 runs in the powerplay; they came close in 13 overs. They were aggressive and improving from previous stats. For the Asia Cup, the mindset is on point, and they are on the right path.

Dhaka Post: If you had to pick one player excelling in power-hitting?

Wood: I’d choose Zaker Ali. He has natural strength, a good attitude, and consistently wants to hit the ball hard. He could be one of the best in the world if he continues this way.

Dhaka Post: Any discussions on extending your contract?

Wood: There were talks, but currently I’m awaiting another offer from a different country. Ideally, I would have spent more time with the women’s and U19 teams. The national team shows potential and can reach higher levels. My desire is to work further with them, but that decision rests with management. At this moment, I’m open.

Dhaka Post: How was your experience with the BCB and teams? Any complaints before leaving?

Wood: The hospitality was exceptional. Both the men’s and women’s teams were welcoming, as was the U19 squad and coaching staff. I adapted quickly and had a great experience overall. I hope the environment continues for future players and coaches. I wanted to stay longer, but that is out of my hands.

Julian Wood leaves Bangladesh having left a positive mark on the players and teams, particularly in power-hitting development, while maintaining openness to future coaching opportunities internationally.

Source: Dhaka Post