Shakib Al Hasan looks to past glory as Bangladesh take on West Indies

Antigua and Barbuda: All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan leads an unsettled Bangladesh side into the first Test against the West Indies on Thursday seeking to recapture the glory of his captaincy debut 13 years ago. In 2009 Shakib replaced the injured Mashrafe Mortaza as skipper for the second Test in Grenada and played a critical role in taking his team to 2-0 series sweep against a depleted West Indies side. Now it is the Bangladeshis who appear ill at ease and Shakib’s rehabilitation as Test captain was complete once Mominul Haque’s slump in batting form meant he could no longer continue in the role and veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim opted out of the Caribbean campaign. The West Indies have been inconsistent since coming away from Bangladesh at the start of 2021 with an unexpected 2-0 series triumph, but go into the series as favourites having beaten England earlier this year. They will be buoyed by memories of Bangladesh’s last visit to Antigua in 2018 when the visitors were routed for just 53 on the first morning on the way to innings defeats in both Tests of the series. The West Indies captain then was Jason Holder who was replaced by Kraigg Brathwaite for the campaign in Bangladesh 17 months ago after Holder opted out citing fatigue and Covid 19 concerns. Holder is again absent having been granted leave by Cricket West Indies which paves the way for Raymon Reifer to get another Test opportunity. West Indies are certain to field at least two debutants as their 12-man squad features three uncapped players – fast-medium bowler Anderson Phillip, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and wicketkeeper-batsman Devon Thomas. Phillip is one of four players in the squad returning from the three-match one-day international tour of Pakistan which ended on Sunday, along with fellow pace bowlers Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph, and all-rounder Kyle Mayers. It remains to be seen if they can recover in time from playing in 45-degree Celsius heat and their long journey back to the Caribbean – the West Indies only assembled a full squad on Tuesday. Roach ‘inspiration’ Bangladesh drew their warm-up fixture against a CWI President’s XI where they lost Yasir Ali to a back injury, but were lifted by seamer Mustafizur Rahman taking three wickets in six overs to show his readiness to return to the Test scene after 12 months. West Indies were boosted Wednesday when fast bowler Kemar Roach was added to the squad after recovering from an injury sustained at Surrey in the English county championship. Roach has 242 wickets in 72 Tests and is also the leading wicket-taker at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium with 43 victims. His career best figures of 6-48 came against Bangladesh in 2009, while his best figures at the venue are 5-8 which also came against Bangladesh in 2018. “It’s brilliant that he’s fit for the Test match,” said West Indies coach Phil Simmons. “He’s always an inspiration for the younger players we have here and he’s ready to go. With 250 wickets around the corner, we’re happy with what he brings to the table, not just on the field but in the dressing room as well.” “I’m glad he’s fit and looking forward to seeing him getting out there and doing what he does so well.” The home side will look to build on the spirit and energy of their 10-wicket trouncing of England in Grenada two months ago. Bangladesh also have recent success to inspire them, having recorded a stunning triumph over World Test champions New Zealand in Mount Maunganui at the start of the year. West Indies (probable): Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), John Campbell, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, Devon Thomas, Joshua da Silva, Raymon Reifer, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie Bangladesh (probable): Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.