Top order stumbles

Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim and his counterpart Jacques Taylor wait for the coin to hit the ground at the toss before the three-day practice match between the Tigers and St Kitts and Nevis. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat. Photo: WICB

Bangladesh's top order collapsed on the first day of their three-day practice match against St Kitts and Nevis at St Kitts yesterday. At the time this report was filed, the Tigers were stuttering at 63 for three with openers Tamim Iqbal and Shamsur Rahman sent back to the pavilion. Tamim scored 20, while Shamsur was caught behind for 10.
Left-handed Mominul Haque was the next to fall as he edged one to second slip a few overs later and returned for 10. Mahmudullah Riyad and Imrul Kayes were in the middle, with Imrul unbeaten on 18.
On a day that witnessed passing showers briefly interrupt the game, Bangladesh elected to bat first. 13 players will be allowed to play in the game with 11 allowed to bat. Apart from Al-Amin Hossain, who has been rested, every other player in the camp is taking part in the three-dayer for Bangladesh.
Surprisingly enough, the West Indians have fielded 40-year-old Shivnaraine Chanderpaul in the practice game. He is playing under captain Jacques Taylor.
Chanderpaul, who has been busy playing longer version cricket in England this year, in an interview with the West Indian Cricket Board has said that he hopes  that the West Indies can continue the good run against the Tigers.   
Bangladesh will play their first Test against the West Indies on September 5 at St Vincent.