Mash’s tactics to keep Windies under spin pressure

The spinners dominated proceedings in Tests, picking up all 40 wickets in the two-match Test series against the Windies and skipper Mashrafe, despite saying that the pacers will dictate terms in the ODIs, started with spinners from both ends as Windies came out to bat.

The Bangladesh skipper later revealed why he used such a measure while talking to reporters after the match against West Indies.

"When we were playing the practice game, I understood that they were wanting to face pacers. Since the Test match started with spin from both ends, I wanted them to remain in that zone. Since they struggled against spin, I wanted to extend that struggling period," Mashrafe said.

The pacers bagged seven out of nine wickets but the spinners created the early pressure with Shakib Al Hasan making the first breakthrough.

"Miraz was outstanding and Shakib kept up the pressure. We were helped greatly after he [Shakib] made that breakthrough. Spinners really bowled well initially," said a content Mashrafe who bagged a win in his 200th ODI match today.