Big picture: Bangladesh returns to the dreaded Antigua
Bangladesh will receive its usual Caribbean welcome. They will play the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, where they opened the previous two tours with scores of 103 and 43 overall. This time around, the visitors are also without two of their best batsmen, Mushfiqur Rahim and Najmul Hossain Shanto, so the task of addressing West Indies’ pace and bounce will be much more difficult for a below-average batting line-up. .
Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph have the returning Alzarri Joseph to form a lethal attack. Kemar Roach is also in the team and given his excellent record against Bangladesh, a four-man attack could be the best option for the West Indies. Add Anderson Phillip to the mix and Bangladesh’s problems are likely to be amplified.
The West Indies, on the other hand, would like their batting unit to fire. Players like Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty and Justin Greaves are relatively new to the scene, but it has been a promising year for this batting line-up. They hold the key to the future, but their front seven has the lowest batting average of any team this year. The West Indies won just one of seven Tests in 2024, so the batting, despite its lack of experience, must now step up.
Their opponents are also going through a batting nightmare. South Africa defeated Bangladesh at home in a 2-0 defeat that will rankle for a long time. Bangladesh’s overall batting has been average and now, without Mushfiqur and Shanto, these West Indies Tests will feel like an uphill climb.
Two failed batting line-ups and some impressive fast bowling attacks could produce a tight contest. It will be up to players like Kraigg Brathwaite and Mominul Haque to get their respective batting lineups in order. Meanwhile, fast bowlers will want to ensure runs are premium.
West Indies LDLLL (last five tests, most recent first)
Bangladesh LLLLW
In the spotlight: Shamar Joseph and Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Shamar Jose will be licking his lips at the prospect of a chance against an inexperienced Bangladesh line-up. He has a chance to achieve a great finish in the last test series of his big year. Joseph began 2024 with an impressive five-wicket haul on debut in Adelaide, followed by his famous 7 for 68 in Brisbane. While he didn’t have a great time against England, having the red ball back in his hands could fire Joseph up.
Few would envy Mehidy Hasan Miraz work at the moment. Mehidy, named vice-captain ahead of the Test series, now has to take over as captain following Shanto’s injury. Mehidy led the team in the last ODI against Afghanistan but will be much bigger against the West Indies minus Mushfiqur and Shanto. Mehidy has also been in a bad mood with the ball recently, but the team will admire him for his batting exploits in 2024.
Team News: Who will take the place of Mushfiqur and Holder?
Justin Greaves and Alzarri Joseph are likely to replace Jason Holder and Gudakesh Motie as the West Indies look to strengthen their batting and fast bowling attack.
West Indies (probable): 1 Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), 2 Mikyle Louis, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Alick Athanaze, 5 Kavem Hodge, 6 Justin Greaves, 7 Joshua Da Silva (wk), 8 Alzarri Joseph, 9 Jomel Warrican, 10 Jayden Seales , 11 Shamar José
Litton Das will return to the team but there will be debate over who will take the other batting spot in the absence of Mushfiqur and Shanto.
Bangladesh (probable): 1 Mahmudul Hasan Joy, 2 Shadman Islam, 3 Zakir Hasan, 4 Mominul Haque, 5 Shahadat Hossain, 6 Litton Das (wk), 7 Jaker Ali, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), 9 Taijul Islam, 10 Nahid Rana, 11 Hasan Mahmud
Course and conditions: rain and rhythm
The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium pitch traditionally favors fast bowling. However, rain is forecast all five days around North Sound.
Stats and trivia: Roach’s backyard
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