‘Crucial to put runs on the board’
The last time a full-strength West Indies toured Bangladesh back in 2018, they were caught in the spin web of Shakib Al Hasan, Mehedi Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan. All 40 wickets in The two Tests were scalped by this spin quartet as the Carribean outfit were thrashed by the Tigers.
And even though a depleted West Indies -- without most of their regular starters -- are visiting this time, Test skipper Kraigg Brathwaite believes the previous defeats will work as the 'number 1 motivation' for his side this time around.
"We lost the series here last time, which is the No. 1 motivation for us. I played against these guys before but some of the guys haven't. We have seen footage [of the Bangladesh spinners] and from a batsman's point of view, we have our plans in place. We have to be positive, by rotating the strike, looking to be aggressive," said Brathwaite in a virtual pre-match conference yesterday.
Despite realizing the spin threat that looms, Brathwaite still backed his batsmen to come out on top of the Bangladesh spinners.
"They [Bangladesh spinners Mehedi and Shakib] are quality bowlers but I think we have the skills to come out on top and get big runs. I am backing the batters. The guys have put in some work, and we all look forward to the challenge," added the right-hander.
The pitch at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, where the first of two Tests starts from today, usually remains dry and on the slower side, aiding spinners that come into the attack sooner.
And while Brathwaite was aware of the condition, the 28-year-old still thought that the likes of pacers Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel will still have a big part to play.
"I still think they will have the same role as before. We have some guys with extra pace so I think with the low bounce and correct fields, the pacers have to apply pressure as well. The ball may spin looking at the surface, but I still think pacers can be the attacking option with the ball possibly keeping low.
"Our bowlers have been doing a good job in the last year and a half, two years. It is crucial for us to put runs on the board, I think that'll be key for this West Indies team," said Brathwaite, admitting that their pacers would be the X-factor in Chattogram.
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