A struggling and injury-hit Bangladesh have reached the West Indies for a lengthy tour, which kicks off with a two-match Test series.
Without their captain and a couple of star players, the young Bangladesh team will be looking to make a name for themselves at the biggest stage.
Ahead of the first Test, here are our match preview and predictions.
Also read: Cricket West Indies Sponsors 2024 | Bangladesh Cricket Board Sponsors 2024
Bangladesh come to the West Indies not only in a period of transition but also without their captain and other big names. Najmul Hossain Shanto is set to miss out due to an injury, while Mushfiqur Rahim is also sidelined due to a finger injury.
For the first time in 16 years, Bangladesh are going into a Test series without Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, or Tamim Iqbal.
Bangladesh’s biggest worry will be their batting lineup, which is low on experience. Litton Das returns to the team after a brief period of absence. He was unwell and missed the South Africa tour completely. He, along with Mominul Haque and Mahmudul Hasan Joy, will have to shoulder extra responsibility at the top of the order. Stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also knows he will have to take a lot of responsibility with the bat in hostile conditions.
While it might not be too promising on the batting front, the visitors do have a strong pace attack which boasts the likes of Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana, and Hasan Mahmud. Miraz is set to be the lead spinner, partnering Taijul Islam.
The hosts, on the other hand, also have a young and inexperienced squad, though they have a fair few veterans as well. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite will be leading from the front, while their keeper Joshua Da Silva will also be key with the bat. Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, and Kavem Hodge will also have the spotlight on them as they will be looking to have a strong home series and cement their spots in the red-ball squad.
The Windies also have a strong pace attack, with Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, and Jayden Seales all set to trouble the visitors.
At the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, expect the bowlers to play a crucial role. We’re backing the hosts to start the series with a win.
Fantasy XI: Kraigg Brathwaite, Mominul Haque, Litton Das, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Josahua Da Silva, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana
Venue: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Saint George, Antigua & Barbuda
Winners Prediction: West Indies
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