Bashar salutes Whatmore's contribution

Chittagong, May 15 (UNI) Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar today showered rich accolades on outgoing coach Dav Whatmore by stating that the Aussie was responsible for transforming the Tigers' from a 'non-performing' to a 'performing' team.

Talking to mediapersons here, Bashar, who also drew a line to his ODI career after today's washout game said, ''Its been a fabulous four year with Mr Whatmore. He has done a lot for our team. He has worked hard for us and with us. I wish him success and hapiness wherever he goes.'' ''He has made this side from non-performing to a performing one.

He has instilled self-belief in us. He has put it in us that we can perform and do well and has brought about a big mental change,'' he added.

On whether they had a language or culture problem with Whatmore, the 34-year-old Bangladeshi captain said, ''None whatsoever. On the contrary we went along very well right from the begining. He helped us built a team.'' ''Its under him that the nation has got so many new players,'' he added.

The 53-year-old Aussie who led Sri lanka to World Cup glory in 1996 took Bangladesh to the new heights of the game when for the first time the Tigers made their way into the Super Eight stage of the World Cup.

Besides this, it was under his coaching Bangladesh recorded victories over World Champions Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and twice against India.

UNI