David Hemp has officially begun his two-year tenure as head coach of the Bangladesh women’s cricket team, aiming to instill a culture of positive, proactive cricket. His debut assignment involves a challenging three-match ODI series against Australia, with the opening fixture scheduled for October 9 at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. While acknowledging the magnitude of facing the world’s top-ranked side in both ODI and T20 formats, Hemp is urging his players to focus on their own intent rather than the stature of their opponents. Then we’ll move forward in a positive way,” he said, and as long as we’re doing that.
Reflecting on his expectations, the 55-year-old emphasized that the team must approach the tour with clarity and courage. The primary goal, he noted, is for the squad to return to Bangladesh without harboring regrets over missed opportunities or a hesitant style of play. By maintaining a positive mindset toward their strategic approach and game-thinking, Hemp believes the players can ensure significant personal and professional growth regardless of the scoreboard outcome. According to but expectations from me around how we play is just more around being positive within the game,” Hemp, Ahead of the series opener on Thursday. So the biggest challenge will be getting our heads around that.
Returning to the Bangladesh setup has been a seamless process for Hemp, who previously served as a batting coach during the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan and the T20 World Cup Qualifier in Nepal. Having already established working relationships with the players, he noted that the transition back into this leadership role has been eased by his familiarity with the group. He has spent the past week observing the squad’s dynamics, praising the players’ commitment to the new tactical discussions and their collective focus. And what we don’t want is to get back to Bangladesh in a week’s time and say, ‘Oh, I wish we’d played this way, I wish we’d played that way’. So that transition has been for me a bit easier because I’ve been here before with the group,” he said.
Preparation for this maiden bilateral tour in Australia has been intensive, particularly regarding the unique pitch conditions. Hemp admitted that the pace and bounce characteristic of Australian wickets present a distinct hurdle for players accustomed to the slower, lower surfaces in South Asia. However, after a productive four-to-five-day training window and a competitive practice match, he expressed satisfaction with the team’s adaptability. He noted that while the conditions are foreign, the players have demonstrated a strong willingness to adjust their techniques to meet the demands of the environment.
Ultimately, the coach views this tour as a vital learning experience. By emphasizing adaptability and positive intent, Hemp hopes to build a foundation for the team’s future development. As they prepare to face the world champions, the focus remains firmly on executing their own brand of cricket with confidence and avoiding the temptation to play tentatively against superior opposition. They’re number one in ODIs and also in T20s.
