“Will help Bangladesh cricketers even if I am not part of the setup”
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||Desk Report||
Bangladesh have already played five limited-overs matches under the supervision of new batting consultant Neil McKenzie who, on Monday (September 3), joined the Tigers on their home soil for the first time since taking up the role.
The 42-year-old has previously served his country, South Africa, as a batting coach in two different terms, in 2016 and 2018. His stint with the Tigers will expire following the ICC World Cup next year in England and McKenzie – who has played for Somerset, Durham, and Hampshire in the county circuit – will surely prove to be a valuable addition to the coaching staff headed by Steve Rhodes ahead of the global showpiece event.
“The game doesn’t change but the environment is a lot different. I need a bit of a translator, and I have to repeat myself,” said McKenzie, when asked about the difference in coaching his country and the Tigers.
“Every country has its way of doing things – good and bad. I have traveled the world a bit so I can bring a few team scenarios to the fore.
“I think you have to use Bangladesh’s positives and use some other ways to make them more competitive and a better side. Batting-wise, we have to stay slightly leg-side in the sub-continent. It is more about getting to know the guys and gaining the trust,” he added.
According to the McKenzie, he will always be there to help his new pupils in the future even when he will have no official association with them. The Bangladesh batsmen will perhaps be happy to be assured of the former South Africa batsman’s ‘unofficial’ long-term commitment.
“Even if I am no longer in the system, they can call me and send me some footage to chat about it. It is not my way, it is the players’ way,” he concluded.
