Bangladesh in West Indies 2003-04

Whatmore flying home for funeral

Wisden Cricinfo staff

June 1, 2004

Bangladesh's coach, Dav Whatmore, is flying back to Australia from St Lucia to attend the funeral of his brother-in-law, who died in Melbourne on Friday after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Whatmore is not expected to return in time for the second Test in Jamaica, which starts on June 4.

"It's a very emotional and sad moment for him," said Habibul Bashar, Bangladesh's captain. "We realise his importance of staying close to his family, and we are all very sorry for him."

Bashar was adamant that the team would not fold with Whatmore out of the picture. "We are all professionals and I think we have to prove that in Jamaica. The strategy remains the same and he has already put everything in place in terms of what our job is. I think we are all mature enough and experienced enough to handle the situation."

Bangladesh enter the final day in St Lucia with a lead of 158 and four wickets standing. In Whatmore's absence, the squad's operations manager and chief selector, Faruque Ahmed, will take over the coaching duties.

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Players/Umpires

Habibul Bashar

Dav Whatmore

Series/Tournaments

Bangladesh tour of West Indies

Teams

Bangladesh

West Indies