Winning start
The West Indies wrapped up the opening Test against Bangladesh in only 40 minutes on the fifth and final day of the match and took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
Pacer Alzarri Joseph took two wickets as Bangladesh resumed on their overnight total of 109 for seven in pursuit of 334 for victory. They were however limited to 132 for nine giving the home side a massive victory by 201 runs.
Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty ImagesBangladesh had a positive start when Jaker Ali flicked Jayden Seales to the fine leg boundary in the day’s first over, but Joseph struck in the next over when he had Hasan Mahmud caught behind by wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva for a duck, leaving the score on 113 for eight.
Ali’s resisted for an hour-and-a-half which eventually came to an end when he was taken out by Joseph for 31, as he tried to walk across his crease and steer a delivery on the onside.
In the very next ball, Islam was greeted with a delivery by Joseph which hit Islam at the back of his shoulder, ultimately leading to him retiring hurt in the next over to end the contest.
Justin Greaves, who scored his maiden Test century on 115 not out in the first innings, was named the “Player of the Match”.
“Contributing to the team win, in the first match of the series, is a very good feeling,” said Greaves.
He added, “Joshua and I had a plan, it didn’t go as per that but thankful to Kemar for sticking around. Just to be myself, that’s what Kraigg always tells me.
When it comes to bowling, help the quartet and two wickets were a bonus. There will be bumps on the road but I need to keep believing in myself.”