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Windies look to crush Bangladesh again

Published:Wednesday | July 11, 2018 | 12:00 AMJermaine Lannaman/ Gleaner Writer
Windies captain Jason Holder addresses the media at Sabina Park yesterday ahead of today's start of the second Test against Bangladesh.

West Indies captain Jason Holder has identified clinching the series as their main objective heading into the second and final Test against Bangladesh at Sabina Park starting today.

The regional side leads 1-0 after storming to a convincing innings-and- 219 runs win at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

"It's just about clinching the series right now," expressed Holder, whose team drew their preceding series against Sri Lanka in Barbados after taking the lead.

"We won against Zimbabwe last time we were in a similar position, and we fell short the last series against Sri Lanka. We, therefore, have it all to play for here at Sabina Park, and all the guys are really up to it."

 

Line-up changes

 

West Indies, who bowled out the Bangladeshis for 43 and 144 in the opening Test, are set to make at least one change to their starting eleven, with fast bowler Kemar Roach out due to a hamstring injury he picked up in the first Test.

His place in the 13-man squad will be taken by either young seamer Alzarri Joseph or 20-year-old all-rounder Kemo Paul.

Whoever is selected is expected to join Shannon Gabriel and Holder on what could possibly be an even friendlier pace-bowling pitch than in the first Test.

"The pitch looks a bit grassy on top and seems firm," said Holder. "I therefore expect it to be a little more consistent than the ones that we have played on recently."

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan also shared a similar view as Holder as it relates to expectations of the pitch but said his team can overcome.

"I expect a little bit more consistent pace and bounce than the one we played on in Antigua," assessed Al Hasan.

"But I think it should be a true wicket, and if we can apply ourselves, we should do well."

He added: "It's a very important game for us. We have to make sure that we try to win most of the sessions, and by doing that, we can only win the match."

West Indies squad: Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jamar Hamilton, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Kieran Powell, Alzarri Joseph, Devon Smith.

Bangladesh squad: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmud Ullah, Litton Kumer Das, Mominul Haque, Mehidy Hassan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Rubel Hossain, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Shafiul Islam.