MANCHESTER, June 25: Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore left Old Trafford here on Saturday to fly to Melbourne to be with his ailing father. Davenell Whatmore senior is currently on a life support machine following complications after heart surgery earlier this week.

Bangladesh team manager Abdul Latif Khan said in a statement: “The thoughts of the management and the players are with Dav and his family at this difficult time.”

Bangladesh were playing Australia in the triangular series at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Tigers coach was born in Sri Lanka but grew up in Australia for whom he played seven Tests between 1978 and 1979.

Whatmore junior made his name as a coach by guiding Sri Lanka to the 1996 World Cup and last week oversaw Bangladesh’s shock five-wicket triangular win against world champions Australia in Cardiff.—AFP