ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies continued to hold the advantage at stumps on day three of the opening Test against Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The visitors closed the day at 269 for 9 in their first innings reply to the 450 for 9 declared posted by the hosts.
The Caribbean team’s four-pronged pace attack had to be patient throughout the morning session, but the experienced Kemar Roach made an early breakthrough when he accounted for Shahadat Hossain Dipu for 18 runs in the slip cordon. In that instance, Roach, playing his 83rd Test, broke a 45-run third-wicket partnership for the visitors.
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Mominul Haque and Litton Das advanced the score to lunch at 105 for 3 but were kept in check by the home team’s disciplined bowling. Bangladesh added only 65 runs in 25 overs during the opening session, scoring just over 2.6 runs per over.
In the post-lunch session, Jayden Seales provided the magical moment with ball in hand as he trapped Haque leg before wicket for an even 50 at 128 for 4. Seventeen runs later, Shamar Joseph joined in the act by dislodging Das for 40 at 165 for 5.
Stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz was antagonized by a barrage of short-pitched bowling and folded immediately after tea to Alzarri Joseph, ballooning a catch to short leg for 23 at 166 for 6.
The West Indies were now sensing a massive first-innings lead, but the hosts were denied by a defiant 72-run seventh wicket stand between Jaker Ali and Taijul Islam. Ali notched his second half-century in Tests, but the resistance was broken by Alzarri Joseph, who rocked back the off stump of Islam at 234 for 7.
Twelve runs later, a stunning running catch from Jayden Seales accounted for Ali, who tried to clear the mid-wicket fence on 53. Seales, with quick anticipation, ran 30 meters to his left before putting in a dive to pluck the ball meters from the boundary off the bowling of Justin Greaves.
Greaves showed his all-round ability as his out swinging delivery claimed the edge of Hasan Mahmud, with Alick Athanaze gobbling up the chance at second slip to leave the visitors tottering at 257 for 9.
Bad light put an end to the day’s play with the visitors limping to the close at 269 for 9, still trailing by 181 runs.
Alzarri Joseph is the pick of the bowlers so far with 3 for 69, while Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves have two wickets apiece.
Joseph was pleased with his performance throughout the day on what he considered a flat wicket.
“My performance was pretty okay, could have been a little bit more patient at times but all and all it’s a good performance from me.”
The Antiguan native is comfortable with the position of the game for the home team.
“The pitch is a bit slower than yesterday which was the best day to bat, so I think we assessed well as bowlers, tomorrow we just need to come and assess again so we will see how it goes.”
Play resumes at 10:00 AM local time on Monday, day four.
