Bangladesh field first in Antigua with three pacers and two spinners

Bangladesh began their two-match Test series against the West Indies at Antigua's Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on 22 November by opting to field first after winning the toss.

Stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the visitors with a bowling-heavy combination of three pacers and two spinners, aiming to make the most of the pace-friendly conditions at a venue that has historically haunted Bangladesh.

The three-pronged pace attack comprises Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Hasan Mahmud, while spinners Mehidy and Taijul Islam complete the bowling lineup. 

However, Bangladesh face a challenging task with their batting order significantly weakened. 

Regular captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim are unavailable due to injuries, and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is also absent, casting doubt over his Test career.

Bangladesh's record at this venue adds to their woes, having lost all six previous matches here, often by large margins. Their batting collapses are particularly worrying, highlighted by being bowled out for 43 in 2018 — their lowest total in Test cricket — and 103 during their last visit in 2022.

The West Indies, captained by Kraigg Brathwaite, fielded a balanced side, with a pace-heavy attack poised to exploit Antigua's seamer-friendly conditions. Both teams will look to seize the initiative in this opening Test.

Playing XIs
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Michael Lewis, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Shamrah Joseph.

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Shahadat Hossain, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c), Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam.