Experienced Aussie Law takes tough Nepal job with tougher tasks in hand

By Shashank Timsina | Posted Posted Mar 04, 2017

Stuart Law, on Friday, has been appointed as the head coach of Nepal men’s national team for the next two years.

The Aussie made the final cut after the Cricket Association of Nepal picked him up for one of the toughest jobs in Associate cricket – managing national side of a cricket-mad nation that not only has deepest respect for people at the helm but also burdens the shoulders with huge expectations.

Law takes over a team that almost stunned 2024 Twenty World Cup finalists South Africa but stares relegation from the 8-team ICC World Cricket League 2 languishing at second from bottom, a position from where it could lose the One Day International (ODI) status.

The appointment also presides a benchmark set by his predecessor Monty Desai who not only regained the coveted ODI status following a miraculous run in League 2 through a young Nepali side but was also the cornerstone in Nepal's return to world stage – Twenty World Cup – in a decade.

On his way to taking this job, Law got the better of the 69 candidates who had applied for the post with 10 shortlisted. CAN had decided against renewing Desai's contract.

One-Test wonder to a domestic giant

Law is widely regarded as one of the most unfortunate cricketers when it comes to international opportunities. Despite an illustrious domestic career, Law ended up playing just one Test for Australia in 1995 against Sri Lanka, where he scored an unbeaten 54.

However, Australia’s compact batting line-up during the mid-90s, featuring legends like Steve Waugh, Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, and Damien Martyn, left no room for Law to break through.

In one dayers, Law represented Australia in 54 matches between 1994 and 1999, scoring 1,237 runs with one century to his name and being part of Australia’s squad in the 1996 World Cup, where Australia finished runners-up to Sri Lanka.

Though his international career was short-lived, Law left a lasting impression in domestic cricket. He was the heartbeat of Queensland cricket, where he scored heavily and captained them to five Sheffield Shield titles.

In English county cricket, Law was a legend, having successful stints with Essex and Lancashire. His 27,000 plus First Class runs and 79 centuries place him among the most prolific run-scorers the game has seen.

Building underdogs globally

After retiring, Law transitioned into coaching and became a globetrotter in coaching circuit.

His coaching career includes roles with Sri Lanka (assistant and interim head coach), Bangladesh (head coach), West Indies (head coach), Middlesex (head coach), Afghanistan (interim head coach), Bangladesh U-19 (head coach), USA national team (head coach), and now Nepal.

Law is especially known for transforming underdog teams. Under Law, Bangladesh reached their first-ever Asia Cup final in 2012.

Reflecting on his coaching style, former Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful once said: "He didn’t really want us to change techniques. He wanted to give players assurance with what they have."

The West Indies, under his guidance, pulled off one of their most famous Test victories in modern history, defeating England at Headingley in 2017. Law’s coaching has been marked by an emphasis on improving fitness, instilling discipline, and giving young players the freedom to express themselves.

Controversies and challenges

Law has never been shy of speaking his mind, something that both helped and hurt his coaching stints. One notable incident occurred in 2018 when a catch taken by Ajinkya Rahane led to Law receiving a two-match ODI ban.

Having already carried one demerit point from a previous series against Pakistan in Dominica, Law accumulated three more after entering the third umpire's and fourth official's rooms and making inappropriate comments about the decision. This incident showcased his passionate, sometimes fiery, nature.

Graham Gooch, reacting to Law’s exclusion from the Australian Test squad in 1997, said, "I was gob smacked to learn that Law had been overlooked." This statement has since resonated with many who believe Law was a victim of Australia’s golden generation.

What Law brings to Nepal?

Stuart Law’s experience of working with teams like Bangladesh, West Indies, and USA makes him well-equipped for Nepal’s current status. His appointment could help Nepal further solidify their presence in world cricket.

His knowledge of Asian conditions and tactical understanding of the game is expected to benefit the Nepalese side.