West Indies ‘A’ completed a
satisfactory Test series against
Bangladesh ‘A’, winning the
three-match series 1-0. There were some
commendable performances by several West
Indies players.
In the first Test, openers Tage Chamderpaul and
Kirk Mckenzie started West Indies ‘A’ off well in a
solid opening partnership of 130, with Mckenzie
contributing 86 off 124 deliveries before he got
out caught by Jaker Ali off Musfik Hasdan. Tage
Chanderpaul was eventually out for 83 off 236
deliveries. Other good contributions came from
Alick Athanaze who made 85 off 98 deliveries,
captain Joshua DaSilva 77 off 127 deliveries and
Kevin Sinclair who contributed 53 not out. West
Indies ‘A’ declared at 427-7. Bangladesh ‘A’ was
bowled out for 264. Jair McAllister was the pick
of the bowlers for West Indies in that innings,
with a five-wicket haul. Reifer and Akeem Jordon
claimed two wickets each and Yannic Cariah
getting a single wicket. Bangladesh ‘A’ was asked
to bat again and managed to hold on to the end.
The Match ended in a draw with the host on
187-7. McAllister picked up two more wickets
to end with 7 wickets in the match. Gudakesh
Motie who went wicket-less in Bangladesh ‘A’
first innings claimed two wickets in this second
innings, while Jordan, Reifer and Sinclair got 1
wicket each.
West Indies won the second Test by three
wickets. Bangaldesh ‘A’ was bowled out for
237 in their first innings. Akeem Jordon picked
up five wickets for 45 in a magnificent spell of
bowling. Anderson Phillip and Kenvin Sinclair got
two wickets each and McAllister claimed I wicket.
In their turn at the crease West Indies ‘A’ were all
out for 345. Keacy carty top scored with 68 before
he was unfortunately run out. Other worthwhile
contributions came from captain DaSilva with 47,
Alick Athanaze with 45, Reifer 37 and Kevin Sinclair
32.
In their second innings Bangladesh ‘A’ made 297.
Kevin Sinclair secured a five wicket haul. Jordon and
McAllister got 2 wickets each and Reifer claimed 1
wicket. West Indies ‘A’ were 191 for 7 when then
reached the victory target. Brandon King made a
brilliant 54 before he was caught by Hossain off the
bowling of Tanvir Islam but captain Joshua DaSilva
47 and Akeem Jordan 22 ensured that West Indies
went on to claim victory.
West Indies continued their dominance in the third
and final Test. In their first innings West Indies ‘A’
made 445 all out. Tage Chanderpaul made 83, Allick
Athanaze contributed with 59, DaSilva continued
his good form with a solid 82, Reifer made 56 and
Kevin Sinclair showed his all-round ability with a
patience knock of 60 off 122 balls. Akeem Jordon
also showed his ability as a lower order batsman
with a solid 47 off 61 deliveries. Bangladesh ‘A’
made 205 all out in their first innings. Veersammy
Permaul picked up three wickets, Anderson Phillip
and Kevin Sinclair, two apiece, and Jordon and
Reifer one each. West Indies‘A’ declared at 220 –
5 in their second innings, setting Bangladesh ‘A’ a
victory target of 461. Chanderpaul again looked
in great form, with another solid knock of 83.
Captain Joshua DaSilva made 47. The Test series
ended in a draw with Bangladesh putting up their
best batting performance of the series. At the close
of the fourth day they were 306-4. Kevin Sinclair
picked up three more wickets, while Akeem Jordan
claimed one wicket. Several West Indies ‘A’ players
performed creditably. There were good batting
performances from captain Joshua DaSilva and Tage
Chanderpaul, both of whom maintained good form
throughout the series. Kevin Sinclair was the leading bowler with
13 wickets at an average of 25.6. Akeem Jordon also impressed,
taking 12 wickets at an average of 18.1. Surely these two must
be in consideration to be included in the West Indies Test squad
for the home series against India. In my opinion, Sinclair should
replace Roston Chase who has been struggling in the last two
series. Reifer has shown that he is just an average player and
should be replaced by either Brandon King or Allick Athanaze
for that no. 3 position in the Test team. Both King and Athanaze
should be included in the squad against India. The Test series
against India will be a challenging one, and we need a good squad
of players if we are to be competitive.
On June 1st, 2023, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the
members of the coaching and support staff for the West Indies
Men’s red ball and white ball teams. For the Test Team, former
West Indies fast bowler Kenny Benjamin and former West Indies
opening batsman Stuart Williams as well as Rayon Griffith will
be the assistant coaches to work alongside Head Coach Andre
Coley. Benjamin and Griffith were part of the coaching staff for
the recent tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa while Williams
had some experience as an Assistant Coach in previous tours.
Andre Cole was the interim Head Coach when the Test team
toured Zimbabwe and South Africa. Let us hope, with the help of
these coaches, the team will be able to prepare well and shows
great commitment and determination when they face India in the
home series in July/Augus