Bangladesh Taps Julian Wood as Batting Coach for Asia Cup

DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has secured Julian Wood, currently serving as the power-hitting coach for the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), for a brief stint as their specialist batting coach.

According to details shared by the BCB, Wood’s contract is for a three-month duration, with his initial responsibility being the Asia Cup, commencing on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates.

Wood, an English coach recognized for his knowledge of modern power-hitting methods, brings experience from collaborations with various international teams and franchises. Prior to his BCB assignment, he held the position of power-hitting specialist with Sri Lanka Cricket.

BCB authorities have voiced optimism that Wood’s expertise will contribute to the enhancement of Bangladesh’s batting lineup, particularly in limited-overs formats, as the squad gears up for the Asia Cup and other significant competitions in the coming period.

Previously, the BCB revealed that Wood would collaborate with the players for a three-week period during their training camp at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka.

The objective of incorporating Wood is to bolster Bangladesh’s dominance in white-ball cricket by refining players’ power-hitting skills and expanding their repertoire of shots.

This short-term engagement serves as a preparatory phase for both the Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the Asia Cup acting as a crucial warm-up event.

Nevertheless, the continuation of Wood’s role beyond the Asia Cup remains to be seen.

“Indeed, discussions are underway with Simmo (Phil Simmons, head coach). Essentially, my involvement spans three weeks in August. That’s the information I’ve received, though it’s not yet finalized. However, it’s highly probable.

“Yes, I will be arriving in Dhaka in August, leading up to the Asia Cup. The situation post-Asia Cup remains uncertain, contingent on the BCB’s decisions,” Wood clarified.

This engagement marks Wood’s second stint in Bangladesh, having previously worked with local cricketers during his tenure with the Chattogram Challengers in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Reflecting on his fresh responsibilities and the accompanying challenges, Wood remarked, “I believe the crucial aspect is the abundance of talent present. Talent has always been a hallmark. In the context of white-ball cricket, impactful ball-striking is undeniably a fundamental aspect of the game now.

“My role will center around imparting knowledge, with an emphasis on harnessing power, refining its generation, and optimizing its utilization,” he concluded.