West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican believes the momentum has shifted towards Bangladesh once again after a brilliant spell of fast bowling brought the visitor back into the game after the Tigers made a commanding start.
Shannon Gabriel’s four wickets in as many overs held Banglaesh back and at one stage even 250 was looking difficult.
But resistance from the tail-enders helped Bangladesh post 300-plus runs on the scoreboard with two wickets still in hand.
“Obviously Bangladesh were in the driver’s seat from the morning until the tea break. I think Shannon bowled very well to get those four quick wickets. He brought us back in the game. But unfortunately Bangladesh finished well as a team and put the momentum back in their hands,” Warrican said during the post-day press conference at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium yesterday.
Warrican praised teammate Gabriel’s performance as the tall right-arm fast bowler bowled with genuine pace and shattered Bangladesh’s middle-order.
“I think Shannon’s pace really works for him. He is very tall, so pace with height is very crucial. He bowls good areas as well. He is not just someone who bowls quick but he also very disciplined. It is something that is very important as a fast bowler,” he said.
The ball is already spinning a lot on day one and it seems like spinners will get help in the coming days.
Warrican believes they need to trust their defence as Bangladesh are playing four specialist spinners in their playing XI and West Indies have to bat in the fourth innings here.
“The pitch is very good for batting but it assists the spinners. I think the spinners can get something out of it if they bowl in the right areas. Also, the ball is coming on well for the batsmen but the bounce is inconsistent. You have to watch it closely,” the 26-year old added.
“It is going to be a challenge as the wicket is turning from day one. The wicket will become more difficult as it goes through more wear and tear. It will be key to bowl them out quickly [today]. To bat well here, we must trust our defence because Bangladesh have quality spinners,” Warrican concluded.
1ST TEST, DAY 1
BANGLADESH 1ST INNINGS R B
Imrul c Ambris b Warrican 44 87
Soumya c Dowrich b Roach 0 2
Mominul c Dowrich b Gabriel 120 167
Mithun c Dowrich b Bishoo 20 50
Shakib b Gabriel 34 68
Mushfiq lbw b Gabriel 4 3
Mahmudullah b Gabriel 3 7
Miraz b Warrican 22 31
Nayeem Not out 24 60
Taijul not out 32 57
Extras (b 3, lb 5, nb 4) 12
Total (88 Overs) 315/8
Fall Of Wickets
1-1 (Soumya), 2-105 (Imrul), 3-153 (Mithun), 4-222 (Mominul), 5-226 (Mushfiq), 6-230 (Mahmudullah), 7-235 (Shakib), 8-259 (Miraz)
Bowling
Roach 15-2-55-1, Gabriel 18-2-69-4, Chase 11-0-42-0, Warrican 21-6-62-2, Bishoo 15-0-60-1, Brathwaite 8-1-19-0