SAVAR, Bangladesh, CMC – West Indies’ preparations for the opening Test against Bangladesh suffered a snag yesterday when their three-day tour match was reduced to two days because of an impaired outfield at the BKSP ground here.
The fixture was due to bowl off today but inclement weather for the last week has left the ground unfit for play, and officials were forced to cut the opening day.
Play will now start tomorrow.
“The first day of the three-day practice match between West Indies and BCB XI has been called off,” BCB cricket operations manager Sabbir Khan confirmed.
“The BKSP cricket ground hasn’t adequately dried, and the decision was made based on the curator’s opinion.”
The fixture is the only warm-up match before the two-Test series bowls off next Tuesday in Mirpur.
West Indies are not scheduled to play another game at the BKSP ground which is known for its poor drainage.
Head coach Ottis Gibson remained hopeful of meaningful practice before the international series bowled off.
“We’ve been told the ground where we are supposed to play the practice match is wet,” he said.
“We are still monitoring the situation, we are hoping to get some practice before the Test match.”
The second Test is scheduled to start November 21 in Khulna, before the two sides lock horns in a five-match One-Day International series and a one-off Twenty20 International.
