West Indies captain Roston Chase heaped praise on his team's disciplined bowling attack, particularly the spinners, after they secured an eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the opening Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.
West Indies spinners claimed 16 wickets in the match, twice as many as Bangladesh's spinners, playing a decisive role in the visitors' victory and giving them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Chase singled out left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican for his outstanding contribution, saying the experienced bowler had been leading the spin attack with consistency and confidence.
"We have a quality spin attack, especially led by Jomel Warrican. He's a guy that I've known for many, many years. He went to school with me and he's a good craftsman," Chase said at the post-match press conference.
"He's been improving and anytime he gets a chance, he always delivers. He's been leading us as a spin bowling unit and giving us confidence to do well."
The West Indies skipper, however, was equally pleased with the contribution of the fast bowlers, who kept Bangladesh's scoring rate under control through disciplined lines and lengths.
He identified restricting Bangladesh's first innings lead and taking four quick wickets in the second innings as the two crucial factors behind their victory.
"Not letting them lead us by too many runs was a key, because you don't want to be getting too many runs in Bangladesh, especially in the last innings," he said.
"I thought we put them under pressure and got four quick wickets early in that second innings. I thought that really broke the back of the Bangladeshi batting."
Bangladesh, who were bowled out for 272 in their first innings, managed only 142 in the second innings, setting West Indies a target of 170.
Chase said he considered the target manageable, as the pitch remained good for batting despite being a fourth-innings chase in Mirpur.
He also praised openers John Campbell and Brandon King for providing the solid start that allowed West Indies to complete the chase comfortably.
"I just wanted the guys to give us a good start because sometimes when you're chasing a total and you lose too many wickets early, it can set a bit of panic into the dressing room," he said.
West Indies eventually reached the target with eight wickets in hand, with King producing an impressive unbeaten innings against the Bangladesh spinners.
Chase was particularly pleased with King's approach, saying the right-hander showed remarkable control against spin despite being more accustomed to facing fast bowling.
"Brandon played well. He never really looked like the spinners were on top of him. He looked like he was in control, even using his feet and coming down the wicket," he said.
"He's more a guy that likes to play fast bowling. So, to see him dominate the spin like that was very pleasing for me."
The West Indies captain also admitted that repeated interruptions due to bad light and adverse weather were frustrating, as they disrupted the momentum of the game.
