Another Test match spectacular bowling and batting performances gave the West Indies a resounding victory in the second Test match against Bangladesh in Bangladesh. West Indies in their first innings scored 648 for 9 declared with Darren Bravo scoring 127, Marlon Samuels a swashbuckling 260 with 31 fours and 3 sixes and Shivnarine Chanderpaul 150 not out, his 27th Test century.
Record Partnership for the 3rd Wicket
Samuels’ knock of 260 runs and Darren Bravo’s 127 secured a record partnership of 326 runs. The record is a great one but it is even greater to see two front line batsmen for the West Indies staying at the wicket for such a legenth of time. In the first Test Chanderpaul scored 203 not out.
West Indies Gained a Lead of 261 Runs
After Bangladesh made 387 runs in their first innings with debutant Adul Hasan scoring 113 from 123 balls with 14 fours and 3 sixes, Fidel Edwards stood up with a fine bowling performance with 6 for 90 from 18.1 overs and Captain Darren Sammy 3 for 74 from 23 overs.
Tino Best at his Best
Tino Best came back from the first Test in which he shuttled out team Bangladesh with an outburst of firery and accurate bowling. Best got firgures of 12-1-40-6 gaining six wickets for 40 runs. He started with the front line batsmen and later cleaned up the latter. Guyanese spinner Veerasammy Permaul bowled tidily for 20 overs getting 3 for 67. Bangladesh came back from 82 runs for five wickets to be all out for 287 runs. West Indies won the Test series 2-0.
Strategies to Defy Opposing Batsmen
Opposing batsmen are gaining too much of a comfort zone after the first three or four wickets fall cheaply and West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson must introduce a strategy with Captain Darren Sammy and team members. One main concern is the length of time Captain Sammy has his bowlers toiling without a change. Some bowlers are effective within six to seven overs and after that duration a change must take place. When the West Indies team faces greater opposition it will be difficult for the players to regain the momentum and win matches after good partnerships from the opposing team. If an opposing team is at 85 runs for 5 wickets every effort should be made to stop that team from making 200 runs. West Indies Captain Sammy should ensure that he keeps the pressure on with the appropriate field placement and introduce the bowlers at the appropriate time.
West Indies bowlers have improved but they have to be challenged by much greater opposition to get the full respect due. West Indies ought to get Adrain Barath back into the Test squad for the next Test series. Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul seems to have a fixed place in the Test squad. It is important to have two spinners in the Test squad and the West Indies surely can do so to strengthen their bowling and provide more variety.
