The first Test of the two-match series between Bangladesh and the West Indies is set to begin today at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. Both teams aim to improve their standings in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table with a victory.
The match will start at 8 pm (BST).
For the first time in 18 years, Bangladesh will play a Test without any members of the Fantastic Five. Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mahmudullah and Shakib Al Hasan already retired from red-ball cricket, while Tamim Iqbal remains out of the national setup with an uncertain return. Mushfiqur Rahim is also absent from the series due to injury. Additionally, regular captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has been ruled out of the series with a niggle and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will lead the Tigers in the series.
The Tigers' openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam and Zakir Hasan, have been struggling for runs and two of them are expected to open the innings. Veteran Mominul Haque is set to return to the number three position in Shanto's absence, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who batted at number four in the recent ODIs, might continue in that position. Wicketkeeper-batters Liton Das, Jaker Ali Anik and Mahidul Islam Ankon are likely to bat in the next three positions. If Shahadat Hossain Dipu is included in the playing XI, Ankon may sit out.
In the bowling department, Taijul Islam will partner with Miraz in the spin attack, while the pace trio of Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud will spearhead the fast-bowling unit.
The West Indies led by Kraigg Brathwaite are fielding a full-strength side featuring a mix of experienced and young players such as Joshua Da Silva, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Mikyle Louis and Kevin Sinclair.
On Antigua's grassy pitch, experienced pacers Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach are expected to pose the biggest challenge for Bangladesh batters, with Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican ready to support them.
The venue holds unpleasant memories for Bangladesh, who were bowled out for just 43 runs in 2018-still their lowest total in international cricket across formats.
In terms of head-to-head records, the West Indies are dominant winning 14 of the previous 20 Tests. Bangladesh have claimed victory only four times, with two matches ending in draws.
The weather forecast predicts cloud throughout the five days, while Antigua's pitch offers assistance to pacers early on, while spinners are likely to find success as the match progresses. Batting becomes easier once players adapt to the pitch's behavior. The toss-winning side may opt to bat first to take advantage of early favorable conditions.
