Neil McKenzie hopes for a more matured approach from the Bangladeshi batsmen

Bangladesh team is training hard to get themselves prepared properly for the Asia Cup, that is all set to take place in the UAE from September 15. Batting consultant of Bangladesh, former South Africa international Neil McKenzie joined the Tigers’ practice camp on Monday and expressed his hope for Bangladesh batsmen to be able to play more skilled shots rather than only going for big sixes.

Bangladeshi batsman are traditionally known for their aggressive style of play. Their approach often results in losing quick wickets and creates fragility for the batting unit. Neil wants to see them change their mindset and tread a more matured approach.

“Listen we don’t think about illusions and don’t want to be like West Indians, how they hit the balls. We can be very competitive by skilled hitting, like playing for fours through cover, mid-wicket and so,” Neil said during a media interview on Monday evening.

‘We have big hitters in the team. We just saw Riyad (Mahmudullah) won a match for a twenty20 side (St Kitts and Nevis Patriots). He got 28 off 11 balls. So technically you can become a big hitter. I am not saying clearing the stadiums like West Indians do,” he remarked.

Neil McKenzie reluctant to compare Bangladesh with others

Bangladeshi batting lineup is improving day by day with the help of the senior guys like Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah. But, McKenzie is not a man to compare them with others right now. Rather he needs at least six-seven months to compare Bangladeshi batting with the other teams.

“I think Bangladesh is a good batting unit. A lot of young guys just came in along with the senior guys for putting their hands up. But, to compare any side will be a little bit harder, maybe ask me that question after six-seven months after we play a few tournaments and I have got to know the guys,” he says.

Mckenzie expressed his joy for getting a chance to get involved with an international team like Bangladesh and moreover, he hopes to add more value to the team.

“I saw a lot of talent and was very impressed with the guys and with their work, their work ethic, and general knowledge. So in terms of that, I thought I could add good value here and obviously going to play another world cup in the next year. That’s the first prose,” he concluded.

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