Bangladesh-West Indies Test from tomorrow in Mirpur: Captain Chase targets two wins with points table in mind

Improving their position in the World Test Championship points table is the West Indies' main target in the Test series against Bangladesh. Caribbean captain Roston Chase sees no alternative to winning this series if they are to change their position in this cycle.

Chase said this at a press conference on Tuesday (27 October) ahead of the first match of the two-Test series. Bangladesh and the West Indies meet in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday (28 October), starting at 9:30am Bangladesh time.

Chase said this is their last series in this cycle and there is no way to improve their position in the table without winning it. They have played well in four Tests this year and want two wins in this series to end the year in a good position, which would be a big gift for them, he said.

The West Indies' position in the World Test Championship points table is not satisfactory. Although the target is full points from the series, the visitors know well that the task will not be easy. Chase believes an effective plan in batting, bowling and reading situations will be needed to face the hosts in Bangladesh's familiar conditions.

At the same time, he is giving importance to Bangladesh's recent performance. Alongside respecting the opponents, the West Indies captain said his side would adapt to the Mirpur conditions and give their best on the field.

The West Indies faced batting challenges in recent series. Asked whether the batting approach would change this time, Chase said the team does not want to follow any fixed style. In his view, every batter has his own strengths and weaknesses, so how to bat must be decided by understanding the wicket, the scoreboard and the match situation.

Chase also gave his reading of the Mirpur wicket. He reckons that although there is slight grass on top, the surface underneath is quite dry, so spinners may get extra advantage. Spin wickets are usually seen in Bangladesh, so they expect spinners to get good assistance here too, he said. But both teams have to play on the same wicket, so the side that adapts better to the conditions will win, he added.

He also acknowledged that Bangladesh's spin attack could be a big test for the visitors. When the recent good bowling of Naim Hasan was mentioned, Chase said he is bowling well and it will be a good challenge for them.

Experienced all-rounder Jason Holder is not in the Windies squad. In Chase's view, his absence is a big loss for the team; he has captained in all formats and is in great form, so filling his absence will not be easy. But instead of depending on one player, he expressed confidence in the 15 players in the squad.

Before the Bangladesh tour, several West Indies cricketers were at a camp in Chennai. Others took part in the Test and limited-overs series against India. So although the side did not get much time to prepare as a full team, Chase is satisfied with their preparation. The team had two good practice sessions and a practice match, the players have adapted well to the Bangladesh conditions, and although the weather is somewhat hotter than usual it did not become a major obstacle to preparation, he said.

For the 10 squad members with no experience of playing in Bangladesh, the captain's message is to play natural cricket by understanding the situation, without preconceptions or fear.

Asked about Bangladesh's recent performance, Chase said no team can be taken as an easy opponent in international cricket. In his view, comparatively smaller teams have also improved the standard of their game notably in the last few years. The West Indies are not willing to concede anything in preparation against Bangladesh either; they want to take the field with the same importance they give to preparing against strong opponents like India or Australia.