Bangladesh and the West Indies began their two‑Test series in Mirpur on a day that was cut short by bad light. Only 74 overs were possible on the opening day, and the hosts were forced to resume play briefly before the session was called off at 4:22 p.m. local time. Bangladesh’s opener Shadman Islam batted through the day, scoring 99 runs from 219 balls, including ten fours. He was joined at the crease by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, and the pair advanced the score to 96 for two at lunch. After the break, West Indies bowler Jomel Warrican trapped Shanto lbw for 19, leaving Bangladesh 110 for three. Islam found a steady partner in Towhid Hridoy, who added 42 runs off 84 balls before retiring hurt with a cramp in the 66th over. Litton Das remained not out on 10 as Bangladesh finished the day at 213 for three. West Indies won the toss and elected to bat. The hosts handed a Test debut to Joshua Bishop, who was chosen over veteran pacer Kemar Roach. West Indies’ bowlers were led by Warrican, who took 2 for 33, and Jayden Seales, who claimed 1 for 14. Bishop, who bowled 19 overs, did not take a wicket, conceding 50 runs. In a post‑match interview, West Indies vice‑captain Jomel Warrican said the team had bowled well but had hoped for more wickets on the opening day. “I felt that Jayden and Shamar gave us a good foundation and then Joshua, Roston and I tried to control the scoring,” he said. “I understand my role. I’m the person to keep things tight and, if we can pick up one or two wickets in doing that, it’s very important.” Warrican added that the conditions would help both teams in the second innings and that the wicket would turn. He praised the West Indies bowling group for their consistency and discipline, even when wickets were not falling. The day ended with Bangladesh at 213 for three, and the West Indies having taken the field for their first innings. The series will resume on the second day of the match.
Article source: Barbados Today | Image credit: Barbados Today