Weak Tigers whitewashed by Windies

The failings of Bangladesh's approach to Test cricket came under the scanner once again as the batsmen displayed a lack of the requisite temperament in a humiliating 17-run defeat to West Indies in the second Test, which sealed a 2-0 series whitewash for the visitors.

Chasing 231 runs on the fourth day at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday, Bangladesh were all out for 213.

Mehedi Hasan Miraz kept hopes up late into the day, but just when it looked like he may pull a rabbit out of the hat, Rahkeem Cornwall pouched a brilliant low catch at slip off the bowling of Jomel Warrican to seal the win and start the celebrations.

And it was the big man Cornwall who was instrumental in the unexpected triumph, picking nine wickets in the match including a five-for in the first innings. The off-spinner bagged 14 wickets in two Tests of a memorable series.

On the other hand, Mominul Haque and his troops were whitewashed against an inexperienced West Indies side lacking the majority of their top cricketers, who opted to skip the tour.

Nonetheless, West Indies deserve a lot of praise for showing strong character as a unit in tough subcontinental conditions and despite losing the three-match ODI series 3-0, Kraigg Brathwaite's side came back strong in the longest format.

It was an exciting day of Test cricket as a total of 17 wickets fell on the fourth day, but it was West Indies who emerged above the hosts by playing better cricket and holding their nerve.

Test cricket is supposed to test character, skill and patience but Bangladesh appear to continue failing in all of those examinations. Head coach Russell Domingo, the senior members of the team and the Bangladesh Cricket Board need some serious introspection if the Tigers are to change their fortune in the elite format.

Despite doing all the hard work to bundle out West Indies for just 117 in their second innings, Bangladesh had only themselves to blame for the eventual outcome, courtesy of some reckless and irresponsible batting.

The hosts had come out to bat with positive intent, with opener Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar providing a lot of assurance in a 59-run stand.

In an inspired move, West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite then brought himself into the attack and dismissed both Soumya and Tamim to start the collapse.

Soumya was the first to depart after the left-hander, on 13, tried to play an away going delivery from off spinner Brathwaite and only offered an outside edge to the keeper.

Soon after reaching his fifty, Tamim gifted his wicket with a simple catch to short cover, placed there exactly for that error – the second time in the match Tamim fell to a visible ploy after a strong start. Since then there was little fight from the hosts as Cornwall who picked four wickets and left-arm spinner Warrican bagged three.

From Nazmul Hossain (11), to skipper Mominul Haque (26), Mushfiqur Rahim (14), Mohammad Mithun (10) and Liton Das (22), all home batsmen got starts but were guilty of throwing away their wickets.

Earlier Bangladesh made a great start with the ball after West Indies resumed the fourth day on 41 for three. The two home spinners Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan shared seven wickets among themselves as West Indies were bundled out for 117 runs -- the third lowest total by any team against Bangladesh.

West Indies lost their last four wickets for 13 runs inside 21 balls as Taijul and Nayeem rattled through the visiting lower order. Pacer Abu Jayed also bowled well at the start of the day, setting the stage for the collapse with two wickets, including that of the dangerous Kyle Mayers.