West Indies Seeking Series Win Against Bangladesh

By Ravendra Madholall in Toronto
After their stunning three-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first test, West Indies are no doubt seeking a series win when the actions get cracking from Thursday in the second and final showdown.

West Indies last won a test series against England in the Caribbean early 2019 in a three-match series, 2-1, while they beat Afghanistan in a one-off later the same year in India.

According to head coach Phil Simmons, the team is raring to go with the accelerator down.

The Trinidadian Simmons stated that the confidence is extremely high following that historical victory when West Indies chased down 395.

“The guys [are] confident of doing well again here in Dhaka and I am optimistic we can make a clean sweep,” Simmons, the former West Indies batsman, declared via zoom to the Media.

The win was orchestrated by debutant and left-handed batsman Kyle Mayers who fashioned his way to 210 not out while he got valuable support from another debutant Nkrumah Bonner with a polished 86.

Their fourth-wicket partnership of 216 was also of great significance against a quality bowling lineup blended with spinners and pacers.

Simmons revealed that Mayers and Bonner batted well.

“I think we prepared for the test series like we normally prepared for any other series. Bangladesh is a good team but on the final day we had talks before the game and then every session how to go about winning that game and I am glad that we are able to lift the fans because these guys played responsibly,” Simmons related.

Some psychological advantage for who Bangladesh beat West Indies in a two-match series the last time they collided in their backyard, late 2018 but this is a huge opportunity for the West Indians to take revenge.

Bangladesh will miss the services of one their most distinguished players Shakib Al Hasan who picked up an injury and is set to rule out of the next game.

In the first-match contest, Bangladesh posted up a formidable 430 and then scored 223-8 declared in their second innings. West Indies replied with 259 but their application in the final innings showed great character especially the batting hero and Barbadian Mayers.

Simmons further expressed that he doesn’t think there will be any changes to the side but he would have a look at the new pitch.

In the batting, opener John Campbell failed while middle-order batsman and debutant Shayne Mosely also did not make an impression with the bat. But other batsmen like skipper and opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite hit 76 in the first innings while Jermaine Blackwood continued with his consistency having hit 68.

Simmons who featured in 26 tests and 143 one-day internationals for West Indies, also stated that the bowlers did a terrific job.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Jomel Warrican had a 7-wicket match-haul while off-break bowler Rahkeem Cornwall had five wickets in the match.

The frontline and experienced pacers Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel were not that intimidating but they are expected to lead the attack again.

Gabriel had 2-37 from 12 overs in the second innings while Roach only had one wicket.

In the bowling department, West Indies have Guyanese left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul on tour while Kaveen Hodge is another option with the same style. Seamers Alzari Joseph and Raymond Reifer were also excluded for the opener.