Kraigg Brathwaite continues to be in fine form •Jun 16, 2022•AFP/Getty Images
What would worry them slightly, though, is the two batting collapses. They lost their last seven wickets for 68 runs in the first innings. While chasing 84 in the second innings, they slipped to nine for three on the third evening. Campbell and Blackwood set the course straight with a calming partnership.
Bangladesh’s batting collapses are of a more serious kind. They hardly changed the momentum when they were bowled out for 103 in 32.5 overs. They slipped to 109 for 6 in the second innings too, only for Shakib and Nurul Hasan to rescue them with the 123-run seventh-wicket partnership.
The visitors might be looking at two possible changes. Najmul Hossain Shanto, who made just a single half-century in his last 17 innings, could be replaced by Anamul Haque. Mominul Haque, despite his lull in form, is getting another chance due to a lack of confidence among the reserves.
Mustafizur Rahman could also sit out, to make room for Shoriful Islam, although the left-arm quick might not yet be match-ready.
In the spotlight
Although he considers himself a batting allrounder, Kyle Mayers was quite effective with the ball in Antigua. Mayers created much trouble for the Bangladeshi batters with his swing, as did the other West Indies fast bowlers with their pace and bounce. Mayers took two wickets each in the two innings, but all four were crucial ones, and never allowed the visitors to settle.
Bangladesh ensured a fourth-day finish mainly because of Shakib Al Hasan’s 123-run seventh-wicket stand with Nurul Hasan. Both got out in the sixties, well after they averted an innings defeat. Nurul’s spot opened up only after Mushfiqur Rahim’s understudy Yasir Ali suffered a back injury in the practice match. Nurul has made such flashes in the past too, but now has to make this a more meaningful patch of good form.
Team news
West Indies are unlikely to change their line-up. They are yet to find out properly what Gudakesh Motie has to offer with the ball. Anderson Phillip and Devon Thomas, therefore, have to wait for their chance barring any last-minute injuries.
Bangladesh could bring on Anamul Haque in place of Najmul Hossain Shanto although Mominul Haque may get another opportunity due to a batting dearth in the reserves. Shoriful Islam could replace Mustafizur Rahman.
Mominul Haque had another Test to forget, in Antigua• Randy Brooks/AFP via Getty ImagesPitch and conditions
Conditions have mostly favoured fast bowlers at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium. In the West Indies-South Africa Test series held here last year, neither team reached 300 in the first innings. There’s the likelihood of showers from the third day onwards in this game. (ESPNcricinfo)
West Indies squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-capt), Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Joshua Da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Devon Thomas
Bangladesh Test squad: Mominul Haque, Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das (wk), Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Mustafizur Rahman, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Ebadot Hossain, Shohidul Islam, Rezaur Rahman Raja
