Last Updated on 9 months ago by Charbel Coorey
West Indies win.
OK, Preview over?
No. Because Bangladesh have the talent to bounce back and put in a better performance after an awful first game. They have done it in the past in Tests – v Pakistan (2011), v Zimbabwe (2013) and v Sri Lanka (2017) come to mind. However, given the situation they are in here, you won’t be blamed if you think they have no chance of bouncing back in this series.
West Indies did in Antigua what many fans thought they could, with their bowling attack in good touch. They were simply far too good for Bangladesh’s sorry batsmen, finding the edge with alarming ease. Against Sri Lanka, the Windies threw a series victory away. Here, there should be nothing but ruthlessness in the minds of the hosts.
Well, what can I say about Bangladesh? I have already tried to say something, highlighting five key things they must do to improve. But, in the short term, it’s about showing mental strength and giving their fans hope that the future is indeed bright. Nurul Hasan, a Test rookie, was the only one to show some resemblance of fight with the bat in Antigua. That is an embarrassing, but also empowering message to the experienced players to pretty much step the hell up.
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| Tough outing for Shakib an co. in Antigua |
Key to a West Indies win
There is little doubt the West Indian batsmen will again enjoy the Bangladesh bowling, but the Bangladesh batting is especially there for the taking. Could you imagine the self doubt among the Bangladesh camp, now?
West Indies inflicted the second fastest dismissal of the opposition in Test history in terms of balls (112), and the key here is not to be complacent, but rather to stick to the processes that have worked well for their bowlers in recent weeks.
Bangladesh will be relieved with Kemar Roach missing the second Test through injury, but the likes of Shannon Gabriel and Jason Holder will most certainly have a say, as the second innings in Antigua showed.
Key to a Bangladesh win
Perhaps there is a greater chance of a Kardashian coming out and saying they won’t be stupid anymore.
Nonetheless, Bangladesh have the potential to surprise us, as they have shown over the years. For an improved performance in Kingston, their experienced players simply have to step up. In Antigua, Tamim, Mushfiqur, Shakib and Mahmudullah combined for just 52 runs, which is indicative of an absolute disaster of a Test.
Get runs on the board this time, and see what happens.
Possible teams
As mentioned, Kemar Roach will be out with injury. Alzuri Joseph is his replacement in the squad, but Keego Paul could get a chance as he has been 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. Miguel Cummins, 10. Shannon Gabriel, 11. Alzarri Joseph
Could Bangladesh pick an extra batsman after the shocker in Antigua? They could go with this option, as they have done this in the past. Imrul Kayes could come in. If they go with this option, they will struggle even more to take wickets. Things just look really bleak at the moment for the Tigers.
Bangladesh possible XI: 1. Tamim Iqbal, 2. Imrul Kayes, 3. Mominul Haque, 4. Mushfiqur Rahim, 5. Shakib Al Hasan (c), 6. Mahmudullah, 7. Liton Das, 8. Nurul Hasan (wk), 9. Mehidy Hasan, 10. Rubel Hossain/Kamrul Islam Rabbi, 11. Abu Jayed
Stats and Facts:
- West Indies are on the verge of their first Test series win at home since 2014 (also against Bangladesh).
- Shakib Al Hasan has stepped up in the past when Bangladesh have lost the first Test of a series heavily. He must again in this Test.
- Mushfiqur Rahim will become Bangladesh’s most capped Test cricketer (62), going past Mohammad Ashraful.
Prediction:
Call me a crazy man, but I have a feeling Bangladesh will bounce back pretty well in this Test. I don’t think they will win, but it won’t be as easy as the first Test for West Indies. In saying that, West Indies should still take the series 2-0.
