Davenell Frederick Whatmore, popularly known as Dav Whatmore, was born on March 16, 1954, in Sri Lanka. He later emigrated to Australia with his family when he was just a child. Whatmore’s love for cricket began to blossom during his time in Australia, where his talent and skills were nurtured.
As a right-handed batsman and exceptional slip fieldsman, Whatmore quickly made a name for himself in the domestic circuit. Representing Victoria in the Sheffield Shield, he showcased his immense potential and scored prolifically, catching the attention of cricket enthusiasts.
The year 1978 saw Whatmore’s dreams come true when he earned his place in the Australian national team. He was presented with the opportunity to don the Baggy Green and represent his country at the highest level. Though modest in success, Whatmore played a total of seven Test matches for Australia during the Packer era. However, in 1988-89, after years of service to Australian cricket, he decided to retire from professional cricket to pursue a career in coaching.
Whatmore’s journey as a coach began with Sri Lanka, where he masterminded one of the most famous moments in cricket history. In 1996, under his tutelage, Sri Lanka triumphed in the World Cup, bringing unparalleled joy to the nation. His coaching prowess showed through as he nurtured the talents of young Sri Lankan cricketers and instilled discipline within the team.
After a notable stint with Sri Lanka, Whatmore ventured into coaching county cricket in England. He joined Lancashire, where he witnessed the team’s triumph in a one-day double in 1998 and the National League in 1999.
The year 2003 marked a significant turning point in Whatmore’s coaching career. He took on the daunting challenge of coaching the Bangladesh national team, which was struggling to achieve success. Despite facing routine defeats, Whatmore’s optimism and determination remained unshaken. Eventually, Bangladesh celebrated their first series win under his guidance, defeating Zimbabwe in a historic match.
Over the years, Bangladesh continued to experience ups and downs under Whatmore’s coaching. They notably defeated Australia at Cardiff in 2005 and performed admirably in a home Test series against the same opposition. However, they also faced challenges against weaker teams like Zimbabwe.
In 2007, Bangladesh competed in the World Cup and achieved a remarkable victory over India, qualifying for the Super Eights stage. Despite this success, Whatmore made the tough decision to step down as coach at the end of the tournament. He aspired to coach the Indian national team vacated by Greg Chappell but was offered a role in the country’s National Cricket Academy, which he graciously accepted.
Whatmore’s coaching journey continued to evolve when he became the coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League in 2009, succeeding John Buchanan. Under his guidance, the team participated in the 2010 and 2011 editions of the IPL, showcasing their talent and determination.
In 2012, another significant opportunity came knocking on Whatmore’s door when he took on the role of head coach for the Pakistan national cricket team. With his vast experience and expertise, he aimed to mold and inspire the talented Pakistani cricketers to achieve new heights in the sport.
Throughout his illustrious career as both a player and a coach, Dav Whatmore has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. His dedication, passion, and ability to motivate players have made him a revered figure in the sport. Whatmore’s impact on the game extends far beyond the field, as he continues to coach and contribute to the development of cricket globally.
