Mohammad Salahuddin: ‘He will never sacrifice a bit of cricket’
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12:00 AM, June 11, 2019 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:01 AM, June 11, 2019

‘He will never sacrifice a bit of cricket’

Mohammad Salahuddin

Mohammad Salahuddin, who has mentored Shakib Al Hasan since his BKSP days, received a text message from his pupil which read, 'Thank you Sir', after the star all-rounder smashed his maiden hundred in the World Cup against hosts England in Cardiff on Saturday.

'From when did you become an Englishman? Giving thanks to me?' was Salahuddin's response and this perhaps best describes their fond relationship.

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The dynamic between Shakib and Salahuddin is not just one of a coach and his student but rather the former Bangladesh fielding coach is more a friend with whom Shakib can share anything, be it technical issues on the field or off the field incidents. Salahuddin, who has seen Shakib grow from a small child to a mature individual, described the champion all-rounder's character, both as a person and player, during an in-depth conversation with The Daily Star's Mazhar Uddin.

The emotional part

Many might feel that Shakib is not very emotional and chooses to portray himself as aloof. However, it was the same Shakib that cried his heart out in front of Salahuddin after being dropped from the team during the Sri Lanka series back in 2008 and also when he was banned for six months for an off the field incident in 2014.

"When he was dropped from the Sri Lanka series back in 2008, I took him to my room and scolded him as he cried a lot. Even when he was banned for six months, I saw an emotional Shakib. But to be honest, when it comes to the reality such as injuries and other things, it does not affect Shakib mentally or emotionally as he has that realisation. I won't say that he doesn't have any emotions at all but he understands practicality. For example, when he is criticised by the media it does not affect him as he has nothing to do with such things. So, he does not react to such things, knowing that if he takes it seriously it might affect him," said Salahuddin.

The distractions

For over 13 years Shakib has represented Bangladesh with fierce consistency, for which he is still ranked as the number one ODI all-rounder in the world. Even for the best in the business there are certain distractions while could take a player's focus off the game, however, this has never been the case for Shakib.

"He never gets distracted as he knows very well that it is because of cricket that he is able to reach these heights. That is why he is ready to sacrifice anything for cricket but he will never sacrifice a bit of cricket for anything else. Today he is Shakib only because of cricket, nothing else, and he knows that," Salahuddin explained.

The guidance

Proper guidance is the key to success in any field and it was Salahuddin who helped keep Shakib on track.

"He took a lot of stick from me for off the field issues as there was not much for me to guide when it came to cricket. But when it was about off the field issues, I always told him what to do from my point of view and I think he tried to listen. There were certain situations where he was criticised by the media but rather than Shakib, it's the people who are close to him who get more worried, which he tries to calm down," informed Salahuddin.

The determination

The definition of determination varies from person to person and the case is similar for Shakib. He called on Salahuddin for individual training during his Indian Premier League stint to better prepare for the World Cup on his own expense. It was Shakib's hunger to improve was something Salahuddin always praised.

"He told me many times in the past to come and watch the IPL but as he was not playing this time it was different. You can't have any bigger determination than this, to call someone to work all on your own expense. Obviously, there was something in his mind to do even better this time. I don't talk to him a lot apart from important issues as he is grown up and reached a certain level."

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The news of premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's retirement plans came as a bolt from the blue for his childhood coach Mohammad Salahuddin, who had no prior knowledge of his best student's decision before the Bangladesh cricketer himself officially announced during a press meet in Kanpur yesterday.

Two days before Shakib made the announcement, Salahuddin had spoken with him, as he often did, about cricket-related matters. As usual, Shakib discussed his new batting stance with his mentor, without hinting at his impending retirement.

"I suddenly heard about his retirement. I spoke to him two days ago, but he didn't give any indication of it. I honestly didn't realise such a decision was coming during our conversation," Salahuddin told The Daily Star yesterday.

"We only discussed his batting. He personally explained to me how and why he the [helmet] strap [to maintain his head position] while batting. It was his own plan to use it that way," he added.

Shakib, undoubtedly Bangladesh's greatest cricketer, has scored more than 14,000 runs and taken over 700 wickets in a career spanning 18 years, having made his national debut in 2006 during an ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare.

In addition to being Bangladesh's top performer, the 37-year-old has dominated world cricket with his all-round capabilities and has become a global icon for Bangladesh beyond the sport.

Despite his consistency throughout his career, whenever Shakib needed guidance to refine his game or resolve issues, Salahuddin has been one of two mentors, alongside Nazmul Abedeen Fahim, whom Shakib trusted blindly.

The most notable instance of their partnership occurred when Shakib flew Salahuddin to India during his Indian Premier League stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Shakib wasn't getting enough playing time, and ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019, Salahuddin's guidance led to a fairytale outcome -- Shakib scored 606 runs and took 11 wickets for Bangladesh during the tournament.

"I think Shakib has a good understanding of himself and what he should or shouldn't do. He knows his capabilities, and I believe he considered everything before making this decision. If he isn't enjoying the game fully, then the decision is the right one," Salahuddin said, adding that recent on- and off-field issues may have influenced Shakib's decision.

"His eye problem has been troubling him for a long time, yet he still batted really well in the [franchise] BPL and adjusted to it. But besides his injury issues, I feel Shakib was unable to play his best cricket. We can't know what's truly going through his mind. Shakib has played under a lot of stress before, and he has managed, but now that he's older, playing in all three formats has become more challenging.

"When it becomes difficult for him to return to his own country, it's undoubtedly a tough time for him. I was really surprised to see him playing those recent matches, putting everything aside. I think it's a very tough time for him. I don't know how he will overcome it.

"If there were just one issue, it would be manageable. But he's surrounded by so many problems that it's hard to stay normal," Salahuddin remarked.

Salahuddin considers Shakib to be cut from a different cloth and expressed hope that Bangladesh will utilise his cricketing knowledge appropriately.

"Shakib is different from eight or 10 other cricketers. If you look at his performance, he's delivered in 80 out of the 100 matches he's played for Bangladesh.

"Normally, it's very rare for a player to contribute to the team nearly every day. It's hard to find such a player. Whether through batting or bowling, he always contributes. In the last 17 years, he has been the top performer. It's a massive achievement.

"I feel he could have become an even better player, but he still contributed immensely to the nation. That's why he always wanted to keep playing. I feel, if his farewell happened properly, I would've been happier.

"It's difficult to say if a cricketer of his stature will come to coaching, but Shakib has a great cricketing sense. I don't know how others see him, but he has huge acceptance among his teammates. He always fights for the players.

"Given his concern for the players, I think he could take on a role as an administrator or in the cricket board. It might not be the right time to think about that now, but the future will tell where he wants to go. If we can utilise his cricketing knowledge, it will benefit our country's cricket," Salahuddin concluded.

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Following defeat one after another across the formats, the confidence levels of the Bangladesh cricket team approach a nadir ahead of the third and final game of the T20I series against the West Indies in Guyana tonight.

Questions regarding the approach from the cricketers have been persistent regardless of whether it is in Tests or in the shortest format of the game. It seems that the Tigers are onboard a ship without a radar, unaware of their destination much less how to get there.

Bangladesh's batting was the biggest concern in the first two T20Is as the Tigers lost early wickets and were unable to utilise the Powerplay.

Prominent coach Mohammad Salahuddin believes it will be important for the Tigers to come up with a better approach in the opening position. He also believed they needed to utilise the last five overs to put up a fight.

"We all know what we are lacking. We have a big gap in the opening slot and we have very few players who can finish the game with the bat in the latter stages of an innings. These two areas are very important in the T20 format and I think the players need to improve their skills and undergo proper training. But other than that I don't see any solution at the moment," Salahuddin told The Daily Star yesterday.

"I think very few in the team have the ability to use the first Powerplay to dominate opposing bowers. So I think it will be better if they can improve their skills. I think, since we have experienced players in the middle, they can lay the platform for the last five overs."

Bangladesh fielded three seamers in the second T20I, dropping left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed. But Salahuddin felt it would be better if the Tigers used two spinners and two left-arm spinners in the third game.

"I think there is very little chances of us winning against the West Indies through our pace attack. Given our strengths, I think it would be better if we played with an extra left-arm spinner. You can't undo them by bowling 140kmph unless the bowlers have skills and variations. So it's better if we play with an extra spinner since we may be able to trouble them more," he said.

All eyes will be on skipper Mahmudullah Riyad after the previous T20 World Cup campaign ended in disaster last year, prompting lingering questions about his leadership qualities and whether he can come up with the aggressive attitude required from a captain, especially in the shortest format.

"If we follow the pattern of captaincy, we have to understand that what we do at home won't work abroad. At times you need to think outside the box. I think it is because of the mentality we have in our domestic cricket and I think we need come out of it," Salahuddin added.

According to Shakib Al Hasan's mentor, only time can change the Tigers' T20 fortunes and he advised against frequently chopping and changing the team.

"You have to work with the resources you have because there aren't other options. How long will you keep changing the team? If you make so many changes, the players get confused and the team also loses confidence. You can fail initially, but you have to place trust in them," he said.

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With his recent appointment as Bangladesh's senior assistant coach, Mohammad Salahuddin is determined to create a legacy that could reshape the role of local coaches in national cricket.

Salahuddin, who is set to begin his work with the national team on their tour of the West Indies in November, previously served as assistant coach and fielding coach for the Tigers from 2006 to 2010.

"The main reason for my new involvement is that for a long time, I've been hearing that 'the board will give local coaches a platform,'" Salahuddin said via a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) video posted today, expressing his long-held hope to see homegrown talent in leadership roles on the international stage.

Following Salahuddin's appointment, BCB president Faruque Ahmed affirmed, "It is time to integrate more capable Bangladeshi coaches into the system." For Salahuddin, however, this position represents much more than a coaching role -- it is a chance to foster confidence within Bangladesh's coaching community and to demonstrate their potential to excel at the highest levels.

"If I can show them the way, even if it's for a limited period, that our local coaches can also do well at this level, it will increase the board's trust in future coaches, as well as the public's faith in them," added the former Singapore coach, who is one of the most successful local coaches, having won multiple Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League titles. .

"Additionally, it will boost the coaches' own confidence, showing that we too can perform well on the international stage.

"A significant responsibility has fallen on me to pave the way for our coaches. I am embracing this as a challenge," he said.

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England ended their 44-year wait for a maiden 50-overs World Cup title by beating a gutsy New Zealand side on boundaries after a tied Super Over amidst heart-stopping drama on Sunday.

Chasing 242 for victory, Ben Stokes' scintillating 84 not out helped the hosts tie the see-saw contest, forcing the Super Over where more nail-biting excitement unfolded.

Buttler and Stokes took 15 runs off Trent Boult's Super Over without losing their wickets.

New Zealand also scored 15 runs off Jofra Archer's over but England won on boundary count, triggering wild celebrations at Lord's as the hosts capped a stunning turnaround.

Since being unceremoniously dumped out of the 2015 edition of the marquee tournament in Australia, Eoin Morgan's England side have reinvented themselves as a white-ball juggernaut, heading into this World Cup as overwhelming favourites.

Back-to-back defeats by Sri Lanka and Australia in the group stage helped England rediscover the attacking brand of fearless cricket which has been the hallmark of the current team.

They dismantled India and New Zealand to storm into the semi-finals, where they crushed Australia with another ruthless display of all-round excellence.

Sunday's final, England's first since 1992, pitted them against a New Zealand team chasing their own slice of history after spending decades as the tournament's bridesmaids.

CONTROLLED BOWLING

Morgan lost an important toss, but Liam Plunkett and Chris Woakes led England's controlled bowling display to restrict New Zealand to 241 for eight on a two-paced wicket.

Henry Nicholls made 55 and Tom Latham chipped in with 47 but lack of significant partnerships hurt New Zealand, who eventually settled for a below-par total.

Nicholls and Williamson put on 74 runs to bolster the New Zealand innings but Plunkett's two-wicket, cross-seam masterclass took the wind out of their sails.

Plunkett dismissed both batsmen just when the partnership was looking dangerous and he eventually finished with 3-42.

Woakes claimed three as well, including the wicket of Latham just when the batsman was looking poised to provide the late charge that could have taken New Zealand past the 250-mark.

New Zealand's new ball pair of Trent Boult and Matt Henry returned determined not to let it become a cakewalk for the hosts.

Henry dismissed the in-form Jason Roy for 10 and Colin de Grandhomme put a struggling Joe Root (7) out of his misery.

England could have been in a bigger hole had de Grandhomme not dropped a waist-high return catch from Bairstow, then on 18.

England were gasping on 86-4 when Stokes was joined by Buttler for a 110-run stand to revive the chase and tie the scores, producing one of the most thrilling matches in the history of the game. (Source: Reuters)

 

England win a thriller to clinch their maiden World Cup after tied match. England lift the World Cup courtesy of more boundaries in the match as the Super Over also finished on a tie. Both teams scored 15 runs in the Super Over. England are ecstatic after this unbelievable game that created heart-stopping drama right till the last ball of the tournament. 

The Kiwis fought till the end and in the final ball of the Super Over, they needed two but Guptill fell short of his crease after hitting it towards mid wicket. Jason Roy picked the ball up at midwicket before he threw it at the striker's end and Buttler took off the bails to hand England the trophy. It took a tie-break rule to seperate the two sides and England won it because of more boundaries in the match.

New Zealand need 16 runs in the Super Over to win the World Cup. Neesham and Martin Guptill are batting for New Zealand.

0.1 - Wide ball from Archer

0.1 - NZ runs two

0.2 - A humongous hit from Neesham. What a hit. Six!

0.3 - Neesham takes two again. NZ need five runs from three deliveries.

0.4 - Another two from Neesham

0.5 - A single this time and Guptill to play last delivery. NZ need two

0.6 - Guptill tries two but he is short of his crease. Run out ! The match is tied but England win the World Cup

 

Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler has come into bat for England in the Super Over. Boult to bowl the Super Over for the Kiwis. England gets 15 in the Super Over.

Super Over England

0.1 - Three runs. Stokes gets a top edge and goes over third man and England run three.

0.2 - Buttler takes a single

0.3 - Stokes plays it fabulously over mid wicket for four

0.4 - Buttler takes a single

0.5 - Two runs

0.6 - Stokes gets a four.

49.6, Eng 241 all out - The final between New Zealand and England has gone to Super Over in what is the most thrilling final ever in a World Cup match. England needed 15 in the last over and 2 runs were needed off the last delivery bowled by Trent Boult and Stokes who has been batting brilliantly, checked his stroke in the last delivery that he played at long on and tried to steal two. He runs two but his partner Mark Wood at the other end is short of his crease. Run out! What a game of cricket! The World Cup final is tied and there will be a Super Over to decide the fate of the game. Rashid run out (Santner/Boult) 0 (0b 0x4 0x6)

48.6, ENG 227/8: Jofra Archer clean bowled by Neesham by a slower ball.

48.3, ENG 220/7: Plunkett looked to score a six but was caught at long off as Jimmy Neesham scalped his second of the day.

46.1, ENG 203/6: Another wicket as Lockie Ferguson sent Chris Woakes sent back. Ferguson banged in short and a top edge led the ball high in the sky. Wicket keeper Tom Latham went behind to take a comfortable catch at the end to bring life to this chase. Nail biting as Ben Stokes still in the middle. Liam Plunkett in the middle to accompany Stokes.

44.5, ENG 196/5: Lockie Ferguson breaks the hundred run partnership as the substitute fielder Tim Southee took a catch at sweeper cover to send Jos Buttler back. It seemed like this pair would take the England over the line but the batsman sliced a 123kmph ball and never looked in control. New energy in the New Zealand players as they feel like they can defend the total.

New Zealand bowlers have no answer to the Buttler, Stokes pair as the batsmen look to hammer through to victory. Jos Buttler jabbed a Trent Boult ball off the mid wicket for four to bring up his half century, whereas, a ball later, Ben Stokes took a single as he pushed a ball towards to bring up his half century. This one hundred run partnership was the one thing England needed and the New Zealand looked to have no answers to the havoc. Game slipping away from the Kiwis.

A fifty run stand between Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler as England look to chase the total of 242. The batsmen had to toil hard for each run in the initial stages of their innings but as the partnership grew, the players looked to play more freely. A long way to go for the English side to lift their first World Cup as New Zealand do not seem to have lost any energy in the middle. The Kiwi bowlers and fielders have done everything possible to subdue the run rate and create pressure till now. However, this partnership looked dangerous for the New Zealanders.

20.1, ENG 86/4: A stunning catch by Lockie Ferguson sent an unsettled Eoin Morgan back to the dressing room for nine in 22 balls. The whole stadium was in awe as Ferguson came running from the boundary line and dive infront towards the ball only to scalp one of the best catches in this tournament. The umpires sent it upstairs to get a closer look but the catch was clean. Jimmy Neesham gets his first of the day.  EJG Morgan c Ferguson b Neesham 9 (22b 0x4 0x6) SR: 40.90

England's Jonny Bairstow (R) walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal during the 2019 Cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. Photo: AFP

19.3, ENG 73/3: Jonny Bairstow chopped himself out as Lockie Ferguson scalped his first of the day. Bairstow scored 36 runs off 55 balls as England lost wickets in quick successions. Runs have been hard to come as New Zealand's fielding made sure the English had to work hard for every run. In desperate need of a partnership, Ben Stokes came onto the field in hope to steady the ship for England. JM Bairstow b Ferguson 36 (55b 7x4 0x6) SR: 65.45

New Zealand's Colin de Grandhomme celebrates taking the wicket of England's Joe Root. Photo: Reuters

16.3, ENG 59/2: Colin De Grandhomme sent back Joe Root, as the batsman nicked the ball to the keeper Tom Latham. The England number three never looked comfortable in the middle as he scored seven off 30 deliveries. JE Root c †Latham b de Grandhomme 7 (30b 0x4 0x6) SR: 23.33

England bring up their fifty within 15 overs with major contribution from Jonny Bairstow who looked to score with ease in the middle. The batsmen scored 30 runs with Joe Root on the other side. New Zealand bowlers and fielders have been excellent to keep the runs in check. 

5.4, ENG 28/1: Mat Henry got the prized wicket of Jason Roy as New Zealand got their first wicket. Angling in towards the off stump, the ball was inviting as Jason Roy nicked it to give the Kiwi wicket keeper Tom Latham a comfortable catch behind the stumps. A huge blow for England as Roy always ensured England got a perfect start at the beginning. Joe Root came onto the field to accompany Bairstow in the middle. JJ Roy c †Latham b Henry 17 (20b 3x4 0x6) SR: 85.00

England came down to chase a total of 242 runs after their excellent display of bowling and fielding in the first innings.

New Zealand bowlers were on top as Jason Roy survived an early scare of a LBW. However, after the umpire adjudged it not out, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson took some time before deciding to review it. Fate was not on his side as the ball just clipped the stumps, thus the on field umpire had the last say.

The ball looked to swing in and out and also stuck on the pitch in the first five overs but the England openers Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy, despite having started shakily, upped the tempo.

New Zealand's Colin De GRANDHOMME sent back. Photo: Reuters

England restrict New Zealand for 241

Having chosen to bat after winning the toss, New Zealand could only manage 241 for eight at the end of their 50 overs. 

England restricted New Zealand to 241-8 in the World Cup final as the hosts boosted their bid to make history by winning the tournament for the first time on Sunday.

Eoin Morgan's side were fuelled by three wickets each from Liam Plunkett and Chris Woakes on a green-tinged pitch in cloudy conditions that aided the pace bowlers at Lord's.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had elected to bat first, but his gamble backfired, with only Henry Nicholls (55) reaching a half-century for the 2015 World Cup runners-up in their 50 overs.

England struck early when opener Martin Guptill was dismissed by Woakes, before Williamson and Nicholls put on 74 for the second wicket.

Plunkett restored England's grip on the match with two quick wickets to remove star batsman Williamson for 30 and then Nicholls.

New Zealand, who are aiming to win the World Cup for the first time, could not establish any momentum after that as economical bowling from Plunkett, Woakes and Mark Wood turned the screw for England.

Plunkett finished with impressive figures of three wickets for 42 runs from his 10 overs, while Woakes took 3-37 from nine overs.

Derek Pringle was the only previous England player to take three wickets in a World Cup final, his haul coming against Pakistan in 1992.

Pringle's efforts were in vain as they lost that final against Pakistan 27 years ago.

England were also beaten in their two other World Cup finals, against Australia in 1987 and the West Indies in 1979.

Thanks to Plunkett and Woakes, England are within touching distance of finally ending their long wait to join England's footballers in 1966 and the 2003 rugby union team as world champions.

 (AFP)

49.3, NZ 240/8: Mat Henry just looked to hit the ball over the boundary without looking for proper timing. A full ball right on to the stumps as Jofra Archer bagged his first of the day.

48.3, NZ 232/7: Another soft dismissal as Tom Latham lofted one to mid off fielder James Vince. Chirs Woakes was the second man after Liam Plunkett to scalp three wickets. England completely in control as they look to finish strong. TWM Latham c sub (JM Vince) b Woakes 47 (56b 2x4 1x6) SR: 83.92

46.5, NZ 219/6: A soft dismissal as Chris Woakes scalped his first wicket of the day. Colin De Grandhomme never looked comfortable in the middle after he was struck on the head by Jofra Archer. England seemed to be in charge as New Zealand were not given a chance to free their hands too much in the third power-play yet. Mitchell Santner came on to the field to accompany Latham. C de Grandhomme c sub (JM Vince) b Woakes 16 (28b 0x4 0x6) SR: 57.14

39, NZ 173/5: A big bump in the road for New Zealand as Jimmy Neesham was sent back by Liam Plunkett. A straightforward catch at mid on by Joe Root as Neesham had to walk home despite having scored freely in the middle. The partnership of Jimmy Neesham and Tom Latham looked to be dangerous for England but Plunkett who was brought in by England skipper Eoin Morgan to break this partnership struck gold again. JDS Neesham c Root b Plunkett 19 (25b 3x4 0x6) SR: 76.00

33.1, NZ 141/4 :  Mark Wood sent Ross Taylor back as England do not seem let New Zealand build a partnership. The ball angled in from wide, as the ball struck the pads of the New Zealand batsmen Ross Taylor, given out by the umpire. The Kiwis were not able to review the decision as Martin Guptill used the allocated review for New Zealand. However, the ball tracker showed that the ball would have missed the stumps as it would have gone over the leg stumps. LRPL Taylor lbw b Wood 15 (31b 0x4 0x6) SR: 48.38

26.5, NZ 118/3:  The ball nicked the bat before it went to hit the stumps as Henry Nicholls was sent back by Liam Plunkett. Two breakthroughs in quick successions by Plunkett as he scalped his second in the match to put England in the driving seat. New Zealand were looking comfortable in the middle with Nicholls and Williamson, building a strong partnership but two strikes by Plunkett sent both these batsmen back to the pavilion. HM Nicholls b Plunkett 55 (77b 4x4 0x6) SR: 71.42

25.1, NZ 110/2: Henry Nicholls scored a fighting half century despite losing his opening partner Guptill and skipper Williamson on the other side. Nicholls's kept his celebrations in check keeping in mind the task he has in hand to take the Kiwis to a decent total. 

New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal during the 2019 Cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. Photo: AFP

22.4, NZ 103/2: Liam Plunkett sent New Zealand captain Kane Williamson back to the dressing room as a review turned the decision to the favor of the Englishmen. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena initially ruled it as a not out but, the England skipper, Eoin Morgan was very confident as he instantly took the review. The ball seemed to get a heavy touch with the bat before landing inside the gloves of Jos Butler, an easy catch for the wicket keeper. Williamson out after scoring 30 runs off 53 balls as Ross Taylor made his way into the crease. KS Williamson c †Buttler b Plunkett 30 (53b 2x4 0x6) SR: 56.60

21.2, NZ 100/1: New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls put up a 50-plus run partnership in the middle to take the Kiwis past the hundred run mark within 22 overs, after the early demise of Martin Guptill. The batsmen took comfortable singles and doubles and scored odd boundaries in loose balls to put the Kiwis in a srong position to put up an above par score in the final.

England vs New Zealand Final
Martin Guptill's poor World Cup form continued in the today's final at Lord's. Photo: AFP

6.2, NZ 29/1: Henry Nicholls had survived with a review off Chris Woakes but his opening partner Martin Guptill is not so lucky as he is trapped infront by Woakes when looking to drive the ball on the up. Guptill challenged the umpire's decision and took the review but replays showed that ball would have hit the stumps this time around. England draw first blood in this final. Guptill lbw b Woakes 19 (18b 2x4 1x6) SR: 105.55

 

Nicholls survives with early review

It looked like England had drawn first blood when Chirs Woakes hit Henry Nicholls with a inswinger which darted back in late to the left-hander. The umpire raised his finger but Nicholls considererd it for a moment even as the ball hit his back leg. Everything looks good for England except the height of the delivery and replays confirm that the ball would have missed the stumps. Good decision to review that one. Nicholls survives.

New Zealand have won the crucial toss and decided to bat first against England in the final of the 2019 ICC World Cup at Lord's. Both teams are unchanged. 

Playing XIs:

England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (capt), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(wk), Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson (capt), Ross Taylor, James Neesham, Tom Latham (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson

The toss was delayed by 15 minutes due to morning showers, but rain seems to have eased away. The match will start at 3:45pm Bangladesh time.

Fans dressed up in umpire uniforms for the World Cup final at Lord's. Photo: Reuters

The prize purse for the winners and runners-up is heavy, with the champions to get $4m and the runners-up half of it. There will also be indivdual awards, including the MVP of the tournament, where Shakib Al Hasan is a front-runner. 

But that will be decided after the final itself. The past finals have been rather drab affair, one-sided and often predictable. This time, we'd hope it is a different thing for the sake of the game and those who follow it.

At least one thing that is definitely going to be different is that we will get a new champion. And it is likely to be a battle between the most explosive batting line-up and a shrewd bowling attack.

Hosts England have brushed aside years of underachievement by reaching the final for a fourth time -- 27 years since their last -- and look like the team to beat. New Zealand, the perennial semifinalists, had gone one better last time with a final appearance. Could they go one better again this time?

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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) appointed Mohammad Salahuddin as the senior assistant coach of the national cricket team till March 15, 2025, BCB press release confirmed today.  

 

Salahuddin previously served as assistant coach and fielding coach of the Tigers from 2006 to 2010. He also worked as a specialist coach at the BCB National Cricket Academy from 2010 to 2011. In 2014, he was appointed as the head coach of Singapore and led the team in the ICC World Cricket League Division 4. 

Salahuddin holds an ACC-Cricket Australia Level 3 accreditation and is one of the most successful local coaches, having won multiple Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League titles. 

BCB President Faruque Ahmed said that Salahuddin's appointment would pave the way for more homegrown coaches to contribute at the highest level: "When I took over as BCB President, I made a commitment to provide opportunities for deserving candidates to contribute to the National Team set-up. Salahuddin brings with him a wealth of experience, pedigree, and knowledge, making him the ideal candidate for this role. I firmly believe it is time to integrate more capable Bangladeshi coaches into the system."

Salahuddin will start working with the Tigers from the West Indies tour, starting on November 22, which features two Tests, three ODIs and as many T20Is.  

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