West Indies Want to Beat Bangladesh in Both Tests to Finish Championship in Fifth Place

The West Indies want to win both matches of the Test series against Bangladesh to finish the Test Championship in fifth place in the points table. Caribbean captain Roston Chase stated the target at a press conference on Tuesday.

The first match of the Bangladesh-West Indies Test series will be played on Wednesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Speaking at the press conference the day before, Chase said they want to win the matches in the series and make the end of the Test Championship a memorable one.

Bangladesh still have a chance in the race to reach the Test Championship final, but that path is almost closed for the West Indies. In that reality, the Caribbean side has come to Bangladesh aiming to improve its own position in the championship.

Chase said, "This year we have won two of four Tests, drawn one and lost one. In this series we want to win both matches. That would let us finish the year in fifth place in the points table. For us, that would be a great Christmas present."

The Caribbean captain sees adapting quickly to Bangladesh's conditions as the key factor in deciding the matches. In his view, both teams have to play on the same wicket, so whoever adjusts best to the conditions will win.

Chase said, "Both teams have to play on the same wicket. In a four-innings game here, the team that adapts best to the wicket will win."

Ten cricketers in the West Indies squad have no experience of playing Tests in Bangladesh. But Chase does not want to worry excessively about that inexperience. Instead, he has advised the cricketers to play without fear.

Chase said, "We want them to take the field fearlessly. We don't want to think too much in advance about whether the wicket will spin or favour the pacers. We want to play ball by ball."

Chase also shared the team's thinking on its batting plans. In his view, scoring more than 300 runs in the first innings is certainly positive, but consistency with the bat is needed not only in the first innings, in the second innings as well.

The West Indies captain also praised Bangladesh's pace attack. He said, "There has been a notable change in their bowling strength. In international cricket, there is no opportunity to take any team lightly."

Chase also spoke about whether discussions over players' contracts and financial matters before the series would affect the team's performance. He said, "There has been no change in the commitment to represent the team. Everyone is eager to give their best on the field against Bangladesh."