Veterans need to pull Bangladesh out of the mire

Bangladesh need their experienced top order batsmen to come to the party if they are to stand any chance of levelling the series against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

Skipper Shakib-al-Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim , opener Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah all fell within twelve balls of each other on day one of the first leaving the Tigers in disarray.

The West Indies completed that rout inside three days but the extra days off have not helped Kemar Roach and the seamer will sit out the second Test with Alzarri Joseph or Keemo Paul set to assume his spot in the XI.

The West Indies will hope that their pace attack retains the lethal rhythm and form they have built up in the home summer and can finish the job of putting the tourists away. Skipper Jason Holder and opening bowler Shannon Gabriel have looked dangerous throughout the home summer for the Windies.

The home side have had their own batting problems but the top order stepped up in the series opener with all barring Roston Chase making some contribution.

The surface at Sabina Park has slowed down over the years but it still has enough pace and bounce to cause batters a problem or two.

The last Test played here was in August 2017 when the hosts went down to Pakistan by seven wickets.

The forecast predicts rain will make an appearance on all days of the Test, but there should still be enough time to have a full game.

A win in the second Test will not just hand the West Indies the series, but help them leapfrog Bangladesh into the No.8 spot on the ICC Test Team Rankings.

Squads

Windies: Jason Holder (c), Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich (wk), Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Alzarri Joseph, Devon Smith

Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Abu Jayed, Imrul Kayes, Kamrul Ismal, Liton Das, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Nazmul Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Taijul Islam, Tamim Iqbal

Overview

Windies v Bangladesh
Sabina Park, Kingston
2nd Test
Thursday 12 July, 15:00 GMT, 10:00 local

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