‘Need to execute plans well against Bangladesh spinners in Tests’
It was the spin attack of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and Shakib Al Hasan that troubled the West Indies batsmen most when they last visited Bangladesh in 2018. But West Indies Test skipper Kraigg Brathwaite said that they will be better prepared for the spinners this time around as they did their homework for the tour and would just need to execute their plans well.
In 2018, the spin trio of Miraz, Taijul and Shakib scalped a total of 34 wickets as they helped the Tigers win the two-Test series 2-0 comfortably against a full-strength West Indies. Bangladesh won the first Test by 64 runs and registered an innings and 184-run victory in the second Test -- their biggest margin of victory in Tests till date.
And even though the West Indies came with a relatively inexperienced side this time -- as many big names like Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase opted out of the tour citing Covid-19 fears -- Brathwaite remained confident about doing well against the spinners of Bangladesh.
"There are always challenges when you play against any international side. Their spinners did well last time around. And we were able to send back our review about where we could have done better after that [Test series]. And we have done that. We have just come here to execute those and believe in ourselves and our preparation," said Brathwaite during a virtual press conference today.
The 28-year-old also mentioned that the West Indies batsmen have some "specific plans" for tackling Bangladesh spinners.
"As batsmen, we do have some specific plans [for tackling spinners] but we can't really discuss them openly. As I said, we have reviewed our mistakes and look forward to the challenge this time around," added Brathwaite.
Bangladesh are scheduled to play a three-match ODI series followed by a two-match Test series -- which will be a part of the Test Championship -- against the West Indies. The three-match ODI series will begin from January 20 and the first of the two Tests will be played on February 3.
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