West Indies v Bangladesh, 2nd Test: Preview

After thumping a dispirited Bangladesh setup in the first Test match at St. Vincent, the West Indies will look to whitewash the visitors with another victory in the second and final Test to be played at St. Lucia.

The Denesh Ramdin-led West Indies' unit didn't exactly put up a thoroughly professional performance in the first Test. However, it was good enough to defeat a side that has just won one Test in the last five years. In particular, the West Indies have to show a significant improvement in the field, as they dropped sitters in the first Test.

West Indies' think-tank though, would be happy with the progress of opener, Kraigg Brathwaite. Brathwaite, won't be known for dazzling brand of attacking batsmanship, but he is someone, who comes across as a cricketer with fine prowess of adhesion.

Brathwaite still doesn't have a watertight defence, as with his bottom handed grip, he may find it difficult to counter the moving ball and play through the cover region. Hopefully, from West Indies' perspective, he can iron out his flaws and give them the much-needed solidarity at top of the order. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the lynchpin of the batting line-up compiled a fine knock as well in the first game. Chris Gayle, who can tear away a bewildered opposition with his brand of eye-catching strokes looked in good touch in the first Test. Unfortunately though, he won't play the second Test due to personal reasons.

In the bowling department, Kemar Roach, with his pace and sustained aggression was impressive on a flat deck in the first match. Shannon Gabriel showed encouraging signs too, as he bowled some fine spells. Gabriel seems to have worked on his left-arm and now bowls with an extra yard of pace and better control. Sulieman Benn, the slow left-arm orthodox bowled with good control.

West Indies' opposition for the second Test, Bangladesh though, will have to do a lot of soul-searching. However, on the brighter side, their management would be delighted with the application shown by the captain, Mushfiqur Rahim.

Rahim's hundred in the second innings felt like a brave captain, who kept the sinking ship afloat against the wrath of a hurricane fury. Other seniors in the line-up like Tamim Iqbal need to follow the captain's example by converting starts into big scores. However, Bangladesh's batting line-up will be hampered by the fact that Imrul Kayes will miss the Test due to skin infection.

Bangladesh also have to play the Test match without the services of their medium pacer, Al-Amin Hossain, as he has been reported for a suspect action. Shafiul Islam, who can occasionally trouble the batsman with the one that shapes back into him would likely replace Al-Amin. Shuvagata Hom and Taijul Islam are expected to be the two spinners for the second Test.

It is difficult to understand why Taskin Ahmed who can bowl at 90 mph hasn't been picked in the Test squad. If someone bowls quick then he should play. There isn't much use in picking a bowler when he has lost that extra yard of pace due to injuries.

Bangladesh perhaps can take heart from the fact that a decade ago, Khaled Mashud, the wicketkeeper-batsman's patient-vigil had taken them to safety at the same ground.

Ground conditions

The track at St. Lucia likely would turn out to be a good deck for batting. However, with Dukes being used in the West Indies these days, the quicker bowlers may generate a bit of swing in the air. Spinners may come into play later on in the Test match.

Quotes

The first thing is that I was anxious to get the double. The pitch was holding up and it wasn't that easy to score initially. Shiv [Chanderpaul] was telling me to relax and not to force it, and not to try anything new. [He said] the pitch is not easy, you've worked hard all this time to get to 199 so it doesn't make sense. He said just to keep fighting hard and don't get frustrated: Kraigg Brathwaite on his double-hundred in the first Test match played at St. Vincent.