Windies to Clash with Bangladesh for a Two-Match Test Series

Windies and Bangladesh will square off in a two-match Test series commencing from Wednesday with the hosts likely to continue with greener and bouncier pitches and put the visitors on the backfoot right from the start.

Meanwhile, the hosts are currently below the Bangladeshis on the Test rankings. However, they will move upto eight if they emerge victorious in the series. Antigua will host the first Test while Sabina Park in Jamaica will host the second one a week later.

However, with Mustafizur Rehman still recovering from a toe injury, Bangladesh lacks the firepower to match their oppositions attack.

Shannon Gabriel, who bagged 20 wickets in the recently concluded series against Sri Lanka will lead the attack. While Devendra Bishoo will fill the role of a specialist spinner, all-rounder Keemo Paul will get the nod for the fourth seamer spot.

In contrast, Bangladesh are relying on the experience of Rubel Hossain to challenge a vulnerable Windies batting. However, they will bank on their spin department to lead the proceeding when the ball gets rolling.

Bangladesh’s last visit to the Caribbean though, in 2014, was a huge disappointment. Mushfiqur Rahman-led side was no match for a full-strength home side.

Meanwhile, this tour also incorporates three ODI’s and three T20I’s. Rahim along with Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, and Mahmudullah will represent the fulcrum of Bangladesh batting.

For the Caribbean side, Kieran Powell is likely to move back up to open the batting with vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite. Devon Smith, recalled after three years in Sri Lanka series, is likely to make way for Shimron Hetmyer.

Predicted XI

Windies: Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich (wicketkeeper), Keemo Paul, Devendra Bishoo, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel.

Bangladesh: Shakib al Hasan (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Liton Das (wicketkeeper), Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Abu Jayed.

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