WI seek series sweep against Bangladesh

For the first time in three years, Sabina Park will get a taste of Test match action, as the regional side looks to seal a series victory over Bangladesh when the second Test gets under way today at 10 a.m.

Fresh off a commanding 201-run victory in the first Test, the hosts are confident and determined to deliver another dominant performance and try to win their first Test series of the calendar year.

Ironically, the last time the West Indies had a series sweep was back in 2022 against Bangladesh.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who will create history by playing his 86th consecutive Test match, the longest streak by any West Indies player, is keen to lead from the front and secure a series-clinching win.

It will take a quick turnaround for the Barbadian, who has not been setting the scoring charts alight. However, the right-hander knows his role and what the team needs to do to ensure they come out on top.

“My role is to make it easier for the guys to come and set a foundation, I will be aiming to do that by staying tough and leading the batting.”

The West Indies have added left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican to their 12-man squad, but are expected to stick with the same 11 that delivered a clinical victory in the series opener.

The Sabina Park pitch, often known for its pace and bounce, has retained significant moisture due to persistent rain in Jamaica over the past week. This is expected to play into the hands of the West Indies’ formidable pace attack, which was instrumental in dismantling Bangladesh in the first Test.

Leading the charge once again will be veteran Kemar Roach, who continues to be a cornerstone of the West Indies bowling unit. Roach, along with Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph, will aim to exploit the grassy surface and keep Bangladesh’s batters on the back foot.

“The surface has a bit of grass which is good to see. There is a lot of moisture due to the rain, but we have to start fresh this game. We still have to bowl well and take our catches. We also have to bat well and put runs on the board,” said Brathwaite.

The visitors, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly to avoid a series whitewash. Bangladesh’s batting lineup faltered against the West Indies pace quartet in the first Test, and their bowlers, minus Takin Ahmed, struggled for the most part.

Right arm fast bowler Nahid Rana could be added to the playing eleven to add some punch to their pace attack. One or both Shadman Islam and Mahidul Islam could expect a call-up for the second Test after Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan failed in the first.