Neil McKenzie quits as Bangladesh batting coach

Former Proteas batsman Neil McKenzie has vacated his post as Bangladesh batting coach.

The 44-year-old has held the position since 2018, as he was appointed by the national team for white-ball cricket. He saw his role expand to the longest format prior to the lengthy break in action brought on by the global pandemic.

Neil McKenzie quits Bangladesh

Speaking to Bangladeshi publication, New Age,  Bangladesh Cricket Board’s chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury confirmed that McKenzie was relieved of his duties by mutual agreement.

“We had a contract with him for only white-ball cricket. But before the COVID-19 situation began he agreed to work with both red and white ball teams. But in the changed circumstances, with new COVID-19 protocols, he recently informed us that it was getting really difficult for him.”

Nizamuddin Chowdhury

He added;

“He would have to come 14 days earlier now and had to spend even more time with Bangladesh away from his family, which was no longer possible for him. So he wanted to work in either red-ball or white-ball cricket. But we felt that it was better to discontinue the arrangement with him,’ Nizamuddin told New Age.”

Nizamuddin Chowdhury

Decision influenced by family reasons

McKenzie told ESPNCricinfo that the decision to cut short his stay in Bangladesh was influenced by a desire to spend more time with his family.

“With COVID, the schedule, and doing all formats, the time away from my young family would be too much,” McKenzie said.

“I’ve loved being a part of the Tigers and will always have a soft spot for Bangladesh cricket and the great guys I’ve been fortunate to work with.”

Neil McKenzie

McKenzie has had stints as batting coach with South Africa and Sri Lanka before taking up a similar role with Bangladesh.

As a player, he featured 58 times in Test cricket for the Proteas, scoring six centuries.