Jaker Ali Reflects on West Indies Tour as a Key Learning Experience
Bangladesh batter Jaker Ali believes that his performances in the West Indies, especially after a tough T20 World Cup, have given him valuable insights into his game. Despite a poor showing in the T20 World Cup with just 35 runs in four matches, Jaker became a standout player during Bangladesh’s Test and T20I series in the Caribbean, amassing 176 runs, including a key 91 in the Test series and a blistering 72 in the final T20I.
Jaker Ali on Preparing for the Champions Trophy and Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead to the Champions Trophy, Jaker is eager to apply the lessons learned from his West Indies tour, particularly the challenging batting conditions. He credits his improvement to understanding the role of the air while batting in the Caribbean. Jaker is also excited about Bangladesh’s two Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan, where he hopes to build on his experience and contribute across all formats, with a special focus on the strategic nuances of ODI cricket.
“Everyone is equal in ICC events, and honestly, bilateral series and ICC events are different in terms of pressure. We need to perform to the best of our abilities as a team,” he said. “To perform at the highest level, you have to dominate the best bowlers. I am well-prepared for that. Whoever comes to bowl, I will adapt my batting accordingly. Honestly, I always focus on my game. I don’t pay much attention to the rest. I have my plans and will adjust to the situation.”
Jaker added that the new head coach, Phil Simmons, has given them confidence and the freedom to play their own game. “He (Simmons) has been great with me so far. He’s a calm person, very specific, and gives us the freedom to play our game. It’s a positive thing,” said Jaker.
“Every coach has a different style. [Chandika] Hathurusingha had his pattern, he liked passing on information. Simmons sets everything up in advance and lets us play our way. That’s my perspective. He provides all the details in meetings beforehand and observes everything quietly. Even during practice, he sits quietly and watches everything. He expects 100% effort from us during training,” Jaker explained.