Chennai Camp Gives West Indies Extra Preparation Before Bangladesh Test, Says Captain Chase

West Indies held a long practice camp in Chennai, India, ahead of their Test series against Bangladesh. After arriving in Dhaka, the Caribbean side also played a practice match. All in all, captain Roston Chase has expressed satisfaction with his team's preparation before taking the field for the Mirpur Test.

The first Test of the two-match series begins on Wednesday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Chase spoke about the preparations at a press conference on Tuesday.

In terms of preparation, West Indies are actually ahead of hosts Bangladesh. The Bangladesh team returned home on 21 October after playing a tri-nation series in the United Arab Emirates. West Indies, by contrast, reached Dhaka on 18 October after their special camp in Chennai during their India tour.

Because conditions in Bangladesh and India are similar, the visitors have had comparatively more time to adjust to the conditions and prepare as a team. They have used the Chennai camp as the main base of their preparation for the Bangladesh tour.

Chase said: 'Most of our players were at the Chennai camp. Those who were not there were busy with a limited-overs series in India. After that, the whole squad got two good practice sessions together and we also played a practice match.'

Chase said the players have also adapted to Dhaka's heat. In the Caribbean captain's words: 'I think everyone has adjusted to the environment and is comfortable. We have worked hard. It is a bit hotter than usual, but so far everyone is enjoying the conditions and has been able to adapt.'

West Indies have performed quite well in Tests recently. In four Tests this year they have two wins, one draw and one defeat. They currently stand eighth in the Test Championship standings. The Caribbean side see the series against Bangladesh as a big opportunity to climb the points table.

Chase said: 'If we want to move up the points table, we have to do it in this series. We have had a great year. We played four Tests, won two, drew one and lost one. We are coming into this series in good form. So we want to win both matches and finish this phase in fifth or sixth place in the points table. It would be a wonderful Christmas gift for the team.'