As West Indies and Bangladesh take on each other in the first One Day International today, both captains are looking to start their roles on a positive note.
Jason Mohammed, who assumed the role after 10 players pulled out of the tour, spoke to the media on the eve of the match at Dhaka and stated that they had a decent build up and will look to get going.
“Firstly, we are just looking to enjoy the series and enjoy our first game. Obviously it’s a big opportunity for all of us here by representing the West Indies and we just want to do well as individuals but more importantly, bring that together and doing well for the team and ensure we have some good results here,” he stated.
The former Guyana Amazon Warriors middle-order batsman, admitted that there is a sense of nervousness and excitement for him personally, having been out the side since 2018 and now returning to lead what many call an inexperienced side.
Like Mohammed, his opposite number Tamim Iqbal, also expressed his excitement ahead of his first international match in nearly a year.
“I am very excited. I’ve been playing after almost a year so I am really looking forward to it. The boys are looking in good shape, it’s an important game tomorrow and I hope we start well,” Iqbal said.
The two leaders indicated that they were satisfied with preparations leading into the match with Bangladesh benefiting from two domestic tournaments whereas West Indies had one practice match among themselves.
“The preparation has been really good. We were fortunate to play two domestic tournaments, one was a 50-over and one was a T20 and then we are starting the international cricket now and I think everybody is looking forward to it and are excited to play,” the Bangladesh captain noted.
Mohammed added, “We had a lot of positives in the couple practice sessions and the game within ourselves. Our batters looked pretty good I must say and that is the main thing. Coming to Bangladesh there is always a lot of spin. I think we are capable of playing spin pretty well and, as I said, we just have to play it as we see it…it’s going to be challenging but we have prepared well and I think we are up for the challenge…”
The captains also shared similar positions on the likelihood of spin-friendly conditions and acknowledged the presence of former number one ranked all-rounder, Shakib Al-Hasan in the Bangladesh set up.
According to Bangladesh’s captain, “The quality that Shakib brings is great. He will bowl you 10 overs, he bats, I’m sure coming back after a long break he will be fine he’s been working in the nets really hard, batting, bowling and fitness-wise so I am sure he is up for the challenge.”
Mohammed, on the other hand, was wary of the threat and pointed out, “We have to play it as we see it, obviously he is one of the best going around the world but we just have to stay positive and play it as we see it and if there is a ball there that we can score off then we have to score off of it, if its good balls then we have to defend.”
West Indies’ spin department has suffered a setback with Hayden Walsh Jr. being ruled out due to testing positive for COVID-19 and Mohammed indicated that there are plans to fill the void.
“Obviously it’s a big loss for us. He would have been the most senior spinner in the team so it’s a huge loss for us but in saying that, there is Akeal Hossein, who is now our front line spinner and myself and Andre McCarthy are going to have to try to fill that role as much as possible so he is a huge loss for us,” he said.
While the West Indies captain indicated that it is expected when touring Bangladesh spin is on the main menu, Iqbal reckoned that his side has six pacers of equal talent ready to wreak havoc.
“I am very excited about the fast bowling we have. We have picked six fast bowlers for this series and trust me everyone is equally as good and its making life difficult for the selectors to make an XI,” Iqbal said.
He, however, admitted that West Indies are an unpredictable side, packed with big hitters.
“West indies are always competitive though they are missing some players but I am sure the new guys will be up for the challenge and you know nothing in international cricket is easy.If you want to win the game you have to work really hard which I am sure both teams will try and do. It’s just who starts well and finishes well will be the key.
“Sometimes it’s very unpredictable, they all are big hitters, anybody is capable of getting very quick runs so we have to be very careful, we have to execute our plans individually so thank goodness nowadays we have computer analysts and things like this so we have a little bit of idea of the opposition so we have seen the footage now and the main thing is to execute and I hope we will execute well,” he further added.
West Indies ODI Squad: Jason Mohammed (captain), Sunil Ambris (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Joshua Da Silva, Jahmar Hamilton, Chemar Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Andre McCarthy, Kjorn Ottley, Rovman Powell, Raymon Reifer, Keon Harding.
Bangladesh ODI squad: Tamim Iqbal (capt), Shakib Al Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun, Liton Das, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam
