Quick turnaround the nature of job: Joseph, Seales

NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC):

Less than a week ago, fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales were both plying their trade in the eastern Pakistan city of Multan, locked in a chastening one-day series against the hosts.

Yesterday, in more familiar surroundings at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, the duo grabbed impressive three-wicket hauls as West Indies turned Bangladesh over cheaply for 103 to take command of the opening Test.

They combined after lunch to share the last four wickets as Bangladesh slumped further from their 76 for six at lunch.

Joseph and Seales were two of four players – Nkrumah Bonner and Kyle Mayers were the others – who returned this week from the Pakistan tour and went straight into the XI for the Test.

Despite the quick turnaround between formats, the 25-year-old Joseph said his motivation had not been affected.

“It’s not the most ideal thing, but it’s the job, so that’s what’s most important, that we get here and get the job done,” said the Antiguan.

“It (performance) was pretty good. Whenever you can bowl a team out for 103 in their first innings, that is a good day.

“With the tacky wicket, there was a lot of moisture in it, the toss was very crucial for us. On this wicket, it was a bit tacky so you had to adjust a little bit, be a bit fuller because it was pretty slow.”

Seales, 20, said adjusting his length from the One Day International (ODI) format had been the most critical thing for him.

“The turnaround wasn’t the biggest amount of time in between, but being able to come out and do the work for the team, that is the job of a professional,” Seales said.

“I bowled two overs from the pavilion end, but I think I was a little bit too short, so it’s just those things [I have to improve] to maintain consistency.

“We had training yesterday, and my first couple of deliveries were shorter than normal, so I had to get that out [of my mind] and get back into the Test match mode.

“But coming today, I didn’t feel that bad. I didn’t feel like I was bowling that ODI length. I felt comfortable.”

In reply, West Indies were 95 for two at the close, with captain Kraigg Brathwaite unbeaten on 42.