Bangladesh middle-order batter Jaker Ali said on Monday that newly appointed power-hitting coach Julian Wood has been focusing on adding extra distance to the batters’ shots rather than turning everyone into outright power hitters.
Bangladesh batter Jaker Ali Anik insisted that his side is capable of winning the Asia Cup overcoming the hurdle of the subcontinent’s giants.The regional trophy eluded Bangladesh thrice so far-firstly in 2012 when they tasted a heartbreaking two-run defeat to Pakistan on home soil. They played two more finals in 2016 which was held in T20 format and in 2018. On both occasions, they lost the trophy to India.
The Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in September in the UAE, will be held in T20 format this time again, given the 2026 T20 World Cup.Speaking to media today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Jaker Ali said they will leave no stone unturned to win the elusive silverware.
Speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Jaker Ali explained that Wood’s methods are tailored to help timing-based players clear the ropes more consistently.
Bangladesh batter Jaker Ali is in full praise of power hitting coach Julian Wood ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Bangladesh batter Jaker Ali said on Monday that newly appointed power-hitting coach Julian Wood is focusing on individual batting patterns rather than pushing anyone to make drastic changes.
Wood, a former English all-rounder and globally recognized power-hitting coach, has been contracted for 28 days to assist Bangladesh players in enhancing their power-hitting skills. Having worked with the team for several days, he has already shown encouraging early results.
Wood has become the talk of the town since introducing new equipment – the Pro Velocity Bat – for his power-hitting drills. While the approach has been unique, many felt it might not suit Bangladeshi batters, considering the drill follows baseball-style hitting rather than the golf-swing method traditionally used by local players.
“Everyone’s swing is different. Some people swing like baseball players, others like golfers. It depends on who chooses what,” Jaker Ali told reporters on Monday.
“After coming here, he said, ‘I want to bring changes within your basics. I don’t want to add anything drastically different.’ So he’s been working according to individual patterns.”
“Julian has been working on improving our power-hitting abilities-helping those who are genetically gifted to do better, and enabling others to clear an extra two or three meters.”
While acknowledging it’s premature to assess concrete improvements, Jaker Ali expressed optimism about the new methods.
“The changes can’t be measured easily without actual matches. Since training has only been going on for two or three days, we’ve mostly worked on skills. There will be something different in the Sylhet nets as well, so it wouldn’t be right to comment on improvements this early.
It will take more time, but we’re trying to execute our assigned work properly. The swings and different drills will eventually show results,” he said, adding that the team is genuinely enjoying the new training regime.
“There’s a satisfying feeling when you hear the sound from the bat, but it requires significant force and effort. If we work continuously, it will eventually pay off,” JakerAli noted.
Bangladesh team is currently taking their preparations for the Asia Cup at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The training started with a grueling fitness session which included a 1600-meter time trial. They thereafter began the skill sessions on 15 August to hone their batting, bowling and fielding skills.
The camp will continue in Dhaka until August 20, after which the squad will move to Sylhet for final preparations. Ahead of the Asia Cup, Bangladesh will play a three-match T20 series against Netherlands. All of the three matches will be held in Sylhet.
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