Dropped catches cost WI

IT’S BEEN a while since Jamaicans got a chance to watch international Test cricket at Sabina Park. On the opening day of the second Test between the West Indies and Bangladesh, they had to wait a bit longer, as some five hours of play was lost due to a wet outfield.

The match eventually got underway at 3:00 p.m., reducing the day’s play to just 30 overs. After opting to take the first strike, Bangladesh endured a rocky start, losing two wickets within the first half hour thanks to Kemar Roach, who delivered the early blows.

However, the West Indies’ poor fielding once again came back to haunt them, as they allowed the visitors to end the rain-affected opening day on a steady 69 for 2.

Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell for just three, edging Roach to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva, who completed a superb diving catch. Roach then struck again to dismiss Mominul Haque for a duck to leave the visitors 10 for two in the seventh over. It marked Mominul’s fourth duck in the Caribbean and brought up Roach’s milestone of 50 wickets against Bangladesh.

However, the West Indies failed to capitalise on their bowlers’ efforts as dropped catches continued to plague their performance. Alick Athanaze put down Shadman Islam on 15 at first slip after which captain Kraigg Brathwaite spilled another chance at cover when Shadman was on 35.

The fielding woes continued when Jayden Seales drew an edge from Shahadat Hossain, only for Athanaze to fumble the chance. The ball deflected towards Kavem Hodge at first slip, who also spilt it, and the ensuing rebound slipped out of Athanaze’s reach once again.

Islam and Shaddat Hossain then got stuck in a batted even as the floodlights came on at Sabina Park. The pair added 59 gritty runs despite the damp outfield further slowing Bangladesh’s scoring.

Shadman will resume today’s second day on 50 after striking three boundaries and a six during his gritty 100-ball innings.

Shahadat Hossain faced a whopping 63 balls for just 12 runs with one edged boundary. Roach has so far claimed two for 20.