Dav Whatmore

Dav Whatmore’s journey in the realm of cricket is a compelling tale of talent, determination, and global influence. Born in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) on March 16, 1954, Whatmore’s cricketing saga began in his birthplace but burgeoned in Australia, where he and his family migrated when he was just eight years old. His story is not just about his own cricketing prowess but also his remarkable ability to transform and uplift international cricket teams through his astute coaching.

Whatmore’s cricketing career, both as a player and a coach, spans several decades and continents, reflecting his versatile and adaptive approach to the sport. As a player, he represented Australia in international cricket before transitioning to a successful coaching career. His most celebrated achievement as a coach was leading Sri Lanka to its first-ever Cricket World Cup victory in 1996, a feat that etched his name in the annals of cricket history. Beyond this iconic triumph, Whatmore’s coaching journey took him across various countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe, where he was instrumental in developing competitive and resilient cricket teams. This article aims to delve into the life and career of Dav Whatmore, exploring the path that led him from a young cricket enthusiast in Sri Lanka to a revered international coach.

Dav Whatmore Batting Career Stats

Bowling Career Stats

Career Information

Test debut vs Pakistan at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Mar 10, 1979

Last Test vs India at Wankhede Stadium, Nov 03, 1979

ODI debut vs West Indies at Sydney Cricket Ground, Jan 18, 1980

Last ODI vs West Indies at Sydney Cricket Ground, Jan 18, 1980

Biography

Dav Whatmore is a notable figure in the world of cricket, both as a player and a coach. Born in Sri Lanka on March 16, 1954, Whatmore moved to Australia with his family at a young age. This move marked the beginning of a journey that would see him become an influential figure in international cricket.

Growing up in Australia, Whatmore developed a deep passion for cricket, a sport that is immensely popular in the country. His early life was characterized by his involvement in cricket, where he honed his skills and understanding of the game. This period was crucial in shaping his future career in cricket, both on and off the field.

Whatmore’s educational background, though not widely documented, likely included a typical Australian schooling experience, with a significant focus on sports, particularly cricket. During his school years, Whatmore’s talent in cricket became evident, leading him to pursue the sport more seriously.

Whatmore’s early cricketing experience was marked by his participation in local cricket clubs. His skill and dedication to the game soon caught the attention of selectors, paving the way for his entry into professional cricket. This phase of his life was crucial, as it laid the foundation for his future successes both as a player and a coach.

Cricket Career Journey

Dav Whatmore’s cricket career, spanning both domestically and internationally, is marked by significant accomplishments and milestones. He made his first-class debut during the 1975-76 season, touring South Africa with a Derek Robins XI. This initial experience laid the groundwork for his debut with Victoria at the end of that summer. His early performances showed promise, and by the next season, he became a pivotal player for Victoria, earning the position of vice-captain under Graham Yallop.

Whatmore’s first major impact in domestic cricket came with his first century against South Australia. This performance was a clear indication of his batting prowess and was soon followed by another century against New South Wales. These accomplishments highlighted his potential as a top-order batsman.

During the 1978-79 domestic season, Whatmore experienced a slow start but eventually found his form, emerging as one of the most successful batsmen of the season. His leadership skills were also put to the test and proved successful when he captained Victoria in Yallop’s absence, significantly contributing to the team’s Sheffield Shield victory that summer.

Whatmore’s domestic success, especially a century against Queensland, led to his selection in the Australian team to play Pakistan, replacing Peter Toohey. His international debut was impressive; he was the top scorer in Australia’s first innings with 43 runs. Despite a less impactful performance in the second innings, his skills were evident.

Whatmore’s international career further advanced with his selection for the 1979 World Cup and the Australian tour of India in 1979. Although facing competition for a place in the side, he managed to secure his spot. However, his performance in the test series against India was a mix of highs and lows. He showcased his batting skills in the fourth test with scores of 77 and 54, the latter being crucial in helping Australia secure a draw.

Despite some strong performances, Whatmore faced challenges in the international arena. In the latter part of the test series against India, his form dipped. Upon returning to Australia, the reintroduction of World Series Cricket players to first-class cricket meant Whatmore lost his place in the test team. Nevertheless, he continued to perform well in domestic cricket, contributing to Victoria’s Sheffield Shield victories.

In the 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons, Whatmore experienced a dip in form and was even dropped from the Sheffield Shield squad. However, he made a strong comeback in the 1987-88 season, achieving his best ever season with 912 runs at an average of 50.

Dav Whatmore Coaching Career

Dav Whatmore’s career post-retirement from professional cricket in 1988/89 is distinguished by his significant contributions as a coach in the international cricket arena. His coaching journey is marked by a series of notable appointments and achievements across different cricketing nations.

1. Sri Lanka: Whatmore’s coaching career is perhaps best known for his time with the Sri Lankan national team. He led them to an unforgettable triumph in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Whatmore’s expertise was sought again for a second tenure with the team. Between his spells with Sri Lanka, he coached Lancashire, achieving significant success, including winning the National League in 1998 and 1999, and the NatWest Trophy in 1998.

2. Bangladesh: From 2002 to 2007, Whatmore took on the role of coaching Bangladesh. His tenure saw the team transition from underdogs to a competitive side capable of surprising top cricketing nations. The highlight of his tenure was Bangladesh’s first Test match victory in early 2005. Under his guidance, Bangladesh notably defeated top-ranked teams like Australia and South Africa and reached the Super 8 stage of the 2007 World Cup.

3. Coaching Roles in England, India, and Pakistan: After leaving Bangladesh, Whatmore was considered for coaching roles in several countries. While he was initially in contention for coaching roles in India, England, and Pakistan, circumstances led him elsewhere. In India, he was appointed Director of the National Cricket Academy and later coached the Under-19 team to victory in the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

4. Indian Premier League: Whatmore coached the Kolkata Knight Riders from 2010 to 2011. Under his leadership, the team reached the knockout stage in 2011 but was eliminated by the Mumbai Indians. He stepped down from this role in early 2012.

5. Pakistan: In March 2012, Whatmore was appointed head coach of Pakistan, leading the team to win the Asia Cup. He concluded his tenure in 2014, after which Moin Khan replaced him.

6. Zimbabwe: Whatmore’s next major assignment was with Zimbabwe, where he was appointed head coach at the end of 2014. His tenure lasted until mid-2016.

7. Kerala (India): Appointed by the Kerala Cricket Association for the 2017–18 season, Whatmore led the Kerala men’s cricket team to significant achievements, including reaching the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy in consecutive seasons.

8. Singapore: In 2020, Whatmore took over as head coach of the Singapore national cricket team.

9. Nepal: Later in 2020, he was appointed as head coach of the Nepal national cricket team, a position he held until August 2021.

10. Vadodara (India): Most recently, in September 2021, Whatmore was appointed head coach of the Baroda cricket team.

Personal Life

Dav Whatmore, born on March 16, 1954, in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), is a respected figure in the world of cricket, known for his coaching prowess and former international cricket career. Whatmore’s journey began in Sri Lanka, but his family moved to Australia in 1962, where he grew up and developed a deep passion for cricket. This early relocation played a significant role in shaping his cricketing career.

In terms of his personal life, there is limited information available. Whatmore is known to be a private individual, preferring to keep his personal life away from the public eye. As of the latest information, he is single and does not have any children. His family background, including details about his parents and siblings, remains largely undisclosed.

Physically, Whatmore stands tall at 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 85 kilograms (187 lbs), reflecting an impressive presence. This physical stature complemented his active lifestyle both as a player and a coach.

Professionally, Whatmore’s career is marked by significant achievements. He played for Australia in international cricket and later transitioned to a successful coaching career, leading teams like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe. His most notable achievement as a coach was leading Sri Lanka to victory in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. His coaching style, focusing on building strong relationships with players and creating a positive team environment, has been highly regarded in the cricketing world.

Regarding his net worth and income, these details are not publicly disclosed, and it is common for such personal financial information to remain confidential. However, his successful career in cricket, both as a player and a coach, suggests a stable financial standing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dav Whatmore’s impact on the world of cricket transcends the boundaries of his birthplace and the teams he coached. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in a sport that captures the hearts of millions. From the picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka to the cricketing arenas of Australia and beyond, Whatmore’s life has been a remarkable odyssey.

As a player, he displayed grace and finesse on the field, leaving an indelible mark on Australian cricket during his brief Test career. However, it was in the role of a coach that Whatmore truly shone. His ability to inspire, motivate, and nurture talent transformed underdog teams into formidable contenders on the international stage. His coaching philosophy, emphasizing camaraderie, hard work, discipline, and a love for the game, became a cornerstone of his success.

In the world of cricket, Dav Whatmore’s legacy is not just defined by the trophies and victories he achieved, but by the lasting impact he had on the players he mentored and the teams he guided. His towering presence, both figuratively and literally, remains an enduring symbol of cricketing excellence, inspiring generations of cricketers and shaping the future of the sport. As the cricketing world continues to evolve, Dav Whatmore’s influence continues to reverberate, reminding us that the spirit of cricket lives on through those who carry the torch of his passion and commitment​​​​​​.