‘Mixing the pace will be key for pacers’

Memories of their 2-0 drubbing of Bangladesh in the Caribbean in July this year will probably be fresh in the mind, but West Indies’ stand-in skipper Kraigg Brathwaite was aware that the challenge against Bangladesh at home would be a different one.

“I think it will be different. We won a number of games here before but I think it is a stronger unit,  especially the spinners are doing a very good job for Bangladesh,” said Brathwaite in the pre-match press conference in Chattogram. The right-hander took over from regular captain Jason Holder, who was ruled out on the eve of the tour.

“It won’t be the same as before; it will probably be more challenging. We just have to keep backing our plans against spinners and pacers. We have to be disciplined when we bowl. Their batsmen are also dangerous here. We are up for it, but it won’t be easy.”

West Indies have won five of six Tests played in Bangladesh, and 10 of the 14 Tests that the sides have played, with Bangladesh winning two matches against a depleted West Indies side in the Caribbean in 2009.

Apart from missing the services of Holder as a captain and a seam-bowling all-rounder, West Indies also have to adjust to new acting coach Nic Pothas after the resignation of former head coach Stuart Law. Brathwaite, however, did not think the changes would set West Indies back too much.

“He [Holder] is obviously the key leader of this team. But I think we have capable guys here to replace him. I think we will do well on this tour,” Brathwaite said. “I have a good relationship with Nic. We are getting the support. We are raring to go in this first Test.”

Another obstacle will be pitches that are expected to be spin-friendly, both to counter West Indies’ reliance on pace bowlers like Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel and to aid Bangladesh’s spin strength. As a 2-0 whitewash at the hands of India last month showed, West Indies are not too comfortable playing against spin, which they will get a lot of from Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan, Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.

“I saw the pitch. It is what we expected. It is a little dry. There may be a little movement in the first hour. I think it is a typical type of surface in Bangladesh. Once we bowl the right lines, it could do us good. Mixing the pace would be the key for our fast bowling unit.

“I just think Test cricket is a mindset. They have some good spinners but you need to have some good fast bowlers, so whatever our plans are, we have to believe in them, and back them. We must have the right attitude towards each bowler.”