Tigers' Caribbean threats

The lead-up to the last series that Bangladesh played against the West Indies, at home in 2012, was dominated with questions regarding the Tigers' strategy to deal with the likes of Chris Gayle and Sunil Narine.

Now any team travelling to the Caribbean will no doubt have to keep in mind the damage that the latter's more celebrated players can cause, but when it comes to the Tigers, statistics show that it has generally been the more underrated players who have spoiled Bangladesh's party.

Take for instance pacer Kemar Roach's record against the Tigers. With 24 wickets at an average of 17.79 he is the highest West Indian wicket-taker against Bangladesh. That he is yet to play an ODI this year, and has been chosen for the upcoming series, shows that the hosts are counting on a Roach rampage.

Their former captain Darren Sammy is the next highest with 15 wickets in the bag. Spinner Sunil Narine has not had the best of years so far – he has taken six wickets in six games at an average of 40.16. While Narine was not as effective against Bangladesh back in 2012, it may well be a different story at Grenada and St Kitts where spinners have dominated. Narine is the highest wicket-taker at St Kitts, where the teams will play the third ODI and the lone T20I.

Of all players however, the visitors will have to keep a weary eye on captain Dwayne Bravo, who has been the side's highest run-getter and wicket-taker this year. He has scored 374 runs at an average of 93.50, the second highest among all players who have played at least six matches this year. He also leads the wickets column for his side with 12 wickets in seven games.

The other batsman who poses a threat is the young Lendl Simmons. With 216 runs this year he is the second highest run-scorer for his side. In addition to that he has a healthy average of 56 against the Tigers. Simmons also seems to be in sublime touch -- with 446 runs at an average of 49.55 he was the highest run-scorer in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League.  

Series wins for the West Indies have not been a common feature lately. The last time they won a series either home or away -- aside from their wins against Zimbabwe and Ireland at home in 2013 -- was in July 2012 when they beat New Zealand 4-1.