In appearing after two days of see saw, West Indies are beginning to see a breakthrough against Bangladesh. But there appears no end to the tussle between the WICB and WIPA.
Bangladesh batted through dodgy weather conditions on day one when hardly one session’s worth of play was possible at Arnos Vale ground, Kingstown, St. Vincent. However, their batting slowly unraveled on day two and they owned their 238 to Bangladesh captain, Mashrafe Mortaza, and Shahadat Hossein who scored thirty-nine and thirty-six runs respectively towards the tail end of the innings. There were other batsmen who got starts as well including Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddiqui and even Mushfiqur Rahim scoring thirty-nine runs but Bangladesh failed to capitalize on the starts and allowed West Indies back into the match.
Kemar Roach upset the experienced Tino Best, taking three wickets to Best’s two. David Bernard’s double blow also contributed to stalling Bangladesh’s best efforts to redeem their past reputation.
West Indies had a relatively easier time at the crease, knowing off the Bangladesh runs. But it did not come without its share of drama. Opener Omar Phillips was unfortunate to miss out on a Test century by six runs but he gave Rubel Hussain the first of three wickets for the innings. Thereafter the West Indies batsmen kept getting starts, including WI captain Floyd Reifer making twenty-five. But the next best contribution came from Bernard who added a Test half century to his two wickets.
West Indies lost two wickets to go six down with eleven runs still to be overcome from Bangladesh’s first innings but vice captain Darren Sammy justified his selection with forty-eight useful runs, extending WI’s lead to sixty-nine as West Indies finished on 308. Mortaza though hurt his ankle after twisting it while bowling.
Bangladesh were batting on twenty-six for no loss when stumps were called on day three. But it appears West Indies have their nose ahead and will be expected to press further.
In the meantime, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has indicated that they are more than happy to persistent with the players that have turned up to play for the West Indies as opposed to waiting for West Indies Players Association (WIPA) to change their mind. As WIPA continue to insist on a contract, WICB appears in no mood. One has to say it is rather unprofessional for the West Indies not have their players signed up on paper but perhaps matters have simmered too long for the matter to now have brewed this far with players actually striking and staying away.
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