There’s a quiet transformation underway in Bangladesh’s national training camp — and it’s being driven not by sweeping tactical overhauls, but by the sound of bat meeting ball with newfound intent. At the heart of it is Julian Wood, the English power-hitting specialist whose arrival has injected fresh energy into the squad’s preparation for the ODI World Cup.
Among those embracing the shift is Jaker Ali Anik, a technically sound batter who now finds himself exploring the art of controlled aggression. While it’s too early to measure results, Jaker’s optimism is unmistakable. “We’re trying to follow the drills and bat swing routines he’s introduced. It’s a different kind of work — and it’s already making us think differently about how we approach boundary hitting,” he said.
Wood’s philosophy is rooted in enhancing what players already possess. He isn’t asking batters to become sloggers overnight. Instead, he’s helping them add those extra few metres — the difference between a catch in the deep and a six over long-on. His use of the ProVelocity Bat, which emits a distinct sound when swung with force, has become a talking point in the nets and on social media.
For Jaker, the challenge is not just technical but physical. As a multi-format player, he admits that fitness remains the biggest hurdle in sustaining performance across formats.
But the mental shift — learning to hit with intent, not just timing — is already underway.
Wood’s approach is refreshingly individualised. He’s not imposing a one-size-fits-all model, but tailoring drills to suit each player’s natural swing and strengths. That nuance may prove vital in a squad where styles vary widely.
Whether this power-hitting revolution translates into match-winning performances remains to be seen. But for now, the players are buying in — and Jaker’s quiet confidence suggests the impact may be deeper than it first appears.
