Fast bowlers give WI edge over Bangladesh, says DaSilva

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):

West Indies Test vice-captain Joshua DaSilva strongly believes that their fast-bowling quartet “drives fear” into Bangladesh’s batsmen and gives them the advantage heading into the final match of the series.

West Indies recorded a dominant 201-run win over Bangladesh in the opening Test in Antigua earlier this week, with pacers Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Shamar Joseph accounting for all 18 wickets to fall.

The visitors declared their first innings at 269 for nine and were dismissed in the second innings for 132, with last man Shoriful Islam retiring hurt after being struck by a bouncer from Alzarri Joseph.

While questions remain about conditions at the pitch at Sabina Park – the venue for the second Test – DaSilva is hopeful that the Windies will keep their four-pronged pace attack in place.

“Coming here 1-0 up in the series is always a good feeling, but we’re not finished yet. We’re looking to go up 2-0 and win the series,” DaSilva told members of the media after arriving in Jamaica with the rest of the team on Wednesday.

“You can expect raw pace and talent. Led very well by Kemar and Alzarri, we have Shamar and Jayden, who has been around for a little while, but the pace is there, and you can see the fear that they put into the batsmen’s eyes.

“We took 18 wickets only because they declared the first innings and declared the second innings as well, so for us, it’s about using that advantage that we have,” he added.

DaSilva said that while he was not in a position to speak about the starting 11 for the match, which bowls off on Saturday, he said even if a spinner was included, the goal was still the same.

“It worked in the first Test, but whatever 11 they want to produce for this second Test, I’m very sure that we will get the job done again.

“Whoever is out there we’re going to give our best and give our all. If it is a spinner, then so be it. They’re going to come in and do it, but we still have the pace attack to strike fear into them,” DaSilva maintained.