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Bangladesh national team’s specialist batting coach Julian Wood stated on Saturday that the inability of Bangladeshi batters to hit big was a myth. But he reminded everyone that the batters need to know how to use their power.Ìý

Wood, a specialist power-hitting coach, has been working with the national team since August 15 ahead of the forthcoming T20I series against the Netherlands and the Asia Cup.Ìý

‘There’s a big myth about it,’ Wood told reporters at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium when his attention was drawn into the matter. ‘I have been here for three years. I was aware of the myth that Bangladeshis didn’t have power.’

‘West Indians are big, and English and Australians are strong. These guys [from Bangladesh] are slightly smaller, but they have power,’ he added.

However, records suggest that Bangladesh have often lacked in the area of power-hitting in the shorter formats.Ìý

However, Wood pointed out that the Bangladeshi batters struggle when it comes to accessing that power.Ìý

He said, ‘They have to know how to use and access the power. It’s about developing the power through their body and out through their hands. They have to trust the process.’

‘They rely heavily on rhythm and timing of movements. If those are right, and the sequencing is right, then exit velocity will go up.’

He also categorised Bangladeshi batters into two categories: power players and timers.Ìý

‘We have two or three power players. I am trying to ensure more consistency in their ball striking. For guys who are timers [of the ball], it is about moving their body into slightly better positions with better sequencing,’ he said.Ìý

‘Instead of hitting it for a single, it goes for two. It can also go for four. It is how you move your body. It is movement over techniques and mechanics,’ he added.Ìý

‘When the ball comes on to the bat, you have to move less. This is where you guys have the advantage. They are very skilful on slower pitches. Players from England and the West Indies might struggle in these conditions, so it is not only about having the power but about how you use it,’ he further said.Ìý

When the Englishman was asked about his favourite power hitter among the current Bangladeshi players, he picked Jaker Ali.Ìý

‘Which cricketer do I like the most? What, in Bangladesh? Oh my God, they’re all good,’ said Wood.

‘They’re all different in their own ways. I’m not going to pick out names really. I’m just going to say, if I was going to pick one, Jaker. Jaker is dangerous. The iceman.’

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