Have faith in Law

The current Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team in well-tuned in terms of success in bilateral series. Especially their series wins against defending Under-19 World Cup champions South Africa both home and abroad inspired many to believe in the team's chances during the next ICC Under-19 World Cup to be held in Bangladesh in January-February next year.

Still the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) felt the need for a high-profile coach like Australian Stuart Law to assist the team as a technical advisor, showing that they don't want to leave any stone unturned as they seek success in the Youth World Cup at home.

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But the fact is that there will always be a risk when someone comes up with a new idea in a team which is already in a good rhythm, since it can disturb the rhythm. On the contrary, it could also boost up the team.

The BCB's national manager of Game Development, Nazmul Abedin Fahim, agreed with the latter notion.

"We have got a very balanced side and this team is well-tuned undoubtedly. I don't think there is a scope to do much with this team, but we should look beyond the World Cup. At this stage it's always easy to learn something new and we all know about the stature of Stuart Law," he said.

"Law is intelligent so he must know what he needs to do from a tactical aspect for a team which is already in good shape. Once again, I must say the presence of Law will surely benefit our young players in the future," Fahim concluded.

BCB CEO, Nizamuddin Chowdhury, made it clear that there was no demand from the team, rather the board appointed Stuart Law to avoid the fate that the team has had so far in the mega-event.

"You see, we always went to the tournament after a very impressive build-up but ultimately failed to deliver in the tournament proper. This year the board's expectation is very high and that's why we wanted to do everything so this team could get a good result. The board felt the need for a high-profile coach long ago and finally got Law," informed Chowdhury.

"We talked with Law, so we don't think there will be any problems. Instead we believe that his experience will help us to break our jinx in the [Youth] World Cup. Depending on how he contributes to the team we will talk with him regarding his association beyond the [Youth] World Cup. The coaching staffs remained the same. Mizanur Rahman Babul will continue as head coach, so there may not be a huge change in the existing planning."

BCB development committee chairman, Khaled Mahmud, echoed Chowdhury's sentiments.

"I don't think there is any chance to see the rhythm upset due to the inclusion of Law, rather I believe it will help lot and enhance the player's confidence. Actually the board, especially our president (Nazmul Hassan Papon), wanted success in the [Youth] World Cup and that's why we tried to do everything that the team required for success."

Bangladesh's best finish was when they finished fifth in the 2006 Youth World Cup in Sri Lanka.