Bangladesh opt to bowl first in 1st Test against Windies

Bangladesh stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz chose to bowl first in the two-match series opening Test against West Indies  at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Friday.

Miraz is leading the side in absence of Najmul Hossain Shanto who was ruled out of the series following an injury, sustained during the ODI series against Afghanistan.

Apart from Shanto, Bangladesh also lost veteran Mushfiqur Rahim to injury, meaning they had to field a side with young bloods. 

"I'd like to bowl first because I think the first hour is important for bowlers," Miraz told the broadcasters, explaining his decision to bowl first instead of choosing bat first. 

"Wicket looks good but we have to take advantage in the first hour. We've got two spinners, Taijul and myself, and three fast bowlers. It's a great opportunity for the top order batsmen. We have had good communication. We have to focus on our batting."

The Antigua pitch historically favours the first bowlers. Bangladesh were bowled out for 43, their lowest Test innings total in this ground in 2018.

In fact, Bangladesh lost all of the matches, they played in this ground.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite said he also would have bowled first if he won the toss.

"We'd have bowled first, but in saying that the pitch is decent and it has some moisture," Brathwaite said.

"We had a nice camp here before the Test series. The guys are in good spirits. We've got here a lot of success with pacers, so we are going with four quality fast bowlers. We will need to stay hungry as a batter, and to get in, you have to be harder. We want to go big, not be satisfied with a fifty."

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Liton Das(w), Jaker Ali Anik, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan Miraz(c), Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam.

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite(c), Mikyle Louis, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Joshua Da Silva(w), Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales.