Last Updated on 7 years by Charbel Coorey
A Test battle between eighth and ninth ranked sides usually means a tight tussle between two evenly matched sides. However, the opening Test of Bangladesh’s tour of West Indies could be quite one-sided, looking at the significant disparity between the two bowling line ups.
West Indies would be bitterly disappointed to not win the recent Test series against a weakened Sri Lanka. However, there are positives they can transfer into this series, including Shannon Gabriel’s man of the series heroics, Jason Holder’s all round capabilities, as well as Shane Dowrich’s promising efforts. In conditions that are likely to favour seam bowling, at least in the first few days, West Indies should most definitely be backing themselves to have a successful start to this series.
In regards to Bangladesh, I struggle to see how the resources (or lack of) they have will be good enough to secure their first Test victory away from Asia since 2013. As an ardent and passionate fan of Bangladesh cricket for over a decade, I still scratch my head as to how they are unable to develop and maintain their best talents, especially in the pace bowling department, especially in the last two years. Their predicted pace bowling line up for this Test is Rubel Hossain (average of 79 in 22 Tests), Shafiul Islam (average of 55.41 in 11 Tests) and Abu Jayed (no Tests). Another option is Kamrul Islam, who averages nearly 57 after five Tests.
The gulf in quality between the bowling attacks right now is a scary prospect for Bangladesh, given that West Indies have been Test strugglers over the last few years. As a result, West Indies certainly start as favourites.
Key to a West Indies win
I remember Ian Bishop speaking on commentary during Bangladesh’s last tour of West Indies in 2014. He spoke of the potential Shannon Gabriel has thanks to his pace, but how he needed to get the ball moving.
Shannon is now able to do both, and it would be wise of Bangladesh’s batsmen to expect a tough test. In addition, Jason Holder just came off nine wickets and a 74 v Sri Lanka, and Miguel Cummins is desperate to turn effort into wickets. Add Kemar Roach and Devendra Bishoo, and West Indies have some good pace and legspin – two types of bowling Bangladesh have historically struggled against.
Also, on many occasions, the West Indies batsmen did very well at wasting starts against Sri Lanka. Against a Bangladesh attack that will depend heavily on Shakib Al Hasan, they have an opportunity to pile the pressure on their opponents.
Key to a Bangladesh win
Much will rest on Tamim Iqbal, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan. All are capable of playing fine Test knocks, but against a West Indies attack that is improving, a collaborative effort is vital. Patience, determination and prolonged concentration is not something often associated with Bangladesh batting, but now is the time to show it.
Also, that pace attack just doesn’t inspire confidence. Unfortunately, Mustafizur Rahman is still struggling with injuries (and hasn’t been the same since his shoulder operation in 2016), and Taskin Ahmed has seemingly fallen off the face of the earth.
For Bangladesh, there are out of form West Indies players to target. Roston Chase, Devon Smith and Kieran Powell weren’t too flash against Sri Lanka, so this presents a potential opportunity. Whether the bowlers have the patience and potency to exploit this is a whole other matter.
What on earth will Bangladesh do in life after Shakib?
Possible teams
Shemron Hitmeyer hit a century against the Bangladeshis last week in a tour match, marking a strong return from illness. He could play if West Indies decide to strengthen their batting. Also, they could stick with the four pace bowlers that took the field against Sri Lanka, with Keemo Paul waiting in the wings.
West Indies possible XI: 1. Kraigg Brathwaite, 2. Devon Smith, 3. Kieran Powell, 4. Shai Hope, 5. Roston Chase, 6. Shane Dowrich (wk), 7. Jason Holder (c), 8. Devendra Bishoo, 9. Kemar Roach, 10. Miguel Cummins, 11. Shannon Gabriel
In good news for Bangladesh, Sabbir Rahman is not in town. Doesn’t deserve to be. The batting line up doesn’t present too many surprises, but again, the bowling attack is cause for concern.
Bangladesh possible XI: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Imrul Kayes, 3. Mominul Haque, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim, 5. Shakib Al Hasan (c), 6. Liton Das (wk), 7. Mahmudullah, 8. Mehidy Hasan, 9. Shafiul Islam, 10. Rubel Islam, 11. Abu Jayed/Kamrul Islam
Stats and Facts:
- West Indies’ last home Test series win was against Bangladesh in 2014.
- This will be Shakib Al Hasan’s first Test since reinstated as Test captain late last year. He missed the Sri Lanka Tests in February due to a finger injury.
- Tamim Iqbal is 15 runs from becoming Bangladesh’s first ever to 4,000 Test runs. Also, Mushfiqur Rahim will play his 61st Test, the equal most for Bangladesh, along with Mohammad Ashraful.
- Shannon Gabriel (v Sri Lanka) became the first West Indian in 16 years to take 20 wickets in a Test series.
- Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua has hosted five Tests. The average first innings score at this ground is just under 450.
Prediction
With the first four days expected to have good weather, there should be plenty of cricket. Hard to go past West Indies here, with the bowling attacks the key factor.
Bowlers play a crucial role in winning you Tests, and at the moment, Bangladesh don’t have the resources. West Indies to go 1-0 up.
