BLACKCAPS Manager Michael Sharpe talks gives an insight into touring Bangladesh.
Hotel lock down
We have been in Bangladesh for just on two weeks and security remains tight here. You may very well be asking how tight? Here is a classic example. Two players asked if they could leave the Hotel and go across the road for a coffee. A reasonable request at the best of times, what the two didn’t factor in was the half a dozen policemen escorted them across the road and then flanked them while they drank their trim flat whites and then escorted them home. They were probably wondering if it was worth it as they reached the bottom of the cup. However reports are that they did enjoy the coffee and it was worth the trip.
Inclement weather
You will be aware that much of our tour has been affected by weather. Traditionally the hot season falls between June and September in Bangladesh with rainfall after that less reliable however it can on occasion be very heavy. It is this type of hot, humid conditions that we have experienced and found frustrating over the past couple of weeks. To their credit, the ground staff is always quick with the covers and works hard to keep the grounds playable.
This run of rainy weather cancelled play in the second ODI, with the weather being such that neither team made the trip to Ground. The three days of heavy rain leading up to the ODI meant that the grounds weren’t ready for outdoor training when the skies cleared the following day, this forced the team indoors. This was a good indoor facility with lots of space and the team had a good run around playing indoor soccer and doing fielding drills.
Getting around
The public transport system has given us a few reminders of how lucky we are back home. There is a real uncertainty in the time needed to travel between destinations. At times our trips around Dhaka have been a lot longer than expected with on occasion the bus travelling 100 yards every five minutes. Travel times really depend on the time of travel as well as the day that you are travelling. The road infrastructure is interesting and we have seen a few back streets. There is really no place for modern infrastructure to be developed alongside that which currently exists, any additions would have to be aerial or underground as space is at an absolute premium.
Cricket for Change
We have had a team outing to a local shopping mall some 15 stories tall, where players had the chance to browse through the shops. Hamish, Aaron, Gary and I attended the launch of ‘Cricket for Change’ at the English Embassy earlier in the week. All would agree it was a moving experience to hear of how cricket has changed the lives of the 40 girls aged between 11 and 18 who had attended the program. The girls, all of whom came from disadvantaged backgrounds, were taught to play cricket alongside leadership skills in a bid to improve their futures and build confidence.
BYC with the locals
The squad is just about to head away to training and they are also looking forward to a pre match training scheduled for tomorrow morning followed by a visit to a local Underprivileged School in the afternoon. This will be a good opportunity for the squad to mix with disadvantaged children and play a bit of backyard cricket.
Bryan and I have been lucky enough to celebrate birthdays – on the same day - while away. The social committee put on pizza and a birthday cake which was a great surprise.
Stewart injury update
For those who were wondering Shanan’s heavy fall resulted in him being knocked out momentarily. After a night of observation from touring doctor, John Cameron, he woke the following morning with a sore neck and headache. Shanan continues to recover and is doing well.
Regards,
Michael Sharpe
