Mushy, Riyad stand tall

A resolute 77-run stand between Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad helped the Tigers avoid yet another collapse on the fourth day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Arnos Vale in St Vincent yesterday. At Tea, the Tigers were poised at 184 for 4. This was after they had lost four wickets before Lunch.

After being bowled out for a disappointing 182, in reply to West Indies's 484, in the first innings Bangladesh were asked to follow on by West Indian captain Denesh Ramdin.

As the morning session of the fourth day progressed, Bangladesh's second innings followed a similar trajectory to that of their first.

Shamsur Rahman was caught behind in the fourth over while attempting a wild drive on the backfoot off Kemar Roach.

Imrul Kayes joined Tamim Iqbal in the middle and the pair shared a good looking 70-run stand. However, Imrul eventually paid the price of frequently hitting the ball in the air as he merely scooped a flighted Chris Gayle-delivery to short cover.

Wickets began to tumble following Kayes's departure. Six overs later Mominul Haque was adjudged caught behind as he tried to drive Suleiman Benn through the covers. Like in the previous innings, Mominul reviewed the decision. While replays did not suggest anything conclusive, it did not provide enough evidence to over turn the decision of the on field umpire either, as a result, Mominul was sent back to the pavilion.

The 37th over saw Tamim receive a similar delivery and got bowled for 53. Benn managed to turn the delivery into the stumps from way outside the off stump and deceived the left-hander. 

At a 107 for 4, Bangladesh were staring at yet another collapse. However, the post-Lunch session saw both Mushfiqur and Riyad dig it in and survive the session. While both of them primarily aimed to keep their wickets intact they did not hesitate go after the lose deliveries either. At Tea, Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 33, while Riyad was on 41.