Bangladesh are out in the Caribbean for the next few weeks and they begin their tour against West Indies with two Test matches in which they have an excellent chance to showcase how far they have progressed in the longer format of the game.
This is West Indies’ second series of the summer having faced Sri Lanka last month and they will be looking to finish off this lengthy period of Test matches as well as they can, to show that they too have improved in this format.
Schedule
1st Test – July 4-8 at Antigua
2nd Test – July 12-16 at Jamaica
West Indies
I would imagine West Indies will be disappointed not to win their series against Sri Lanka recently when they led it with a match to play only to lose the final game of the series. Those matches were played on spicy wickets which suited their bowling attack which is probably the way to go because their bowlers are their strength but it didn’t always help their batsmen.
There were definite signs at times in that series that they are starting to get a side who can be competitive together and if they keep playing lengthy batches of Test matches like they are currently embarking on then we could see their comfort in pressure moments in Tests increase and when that happens they become a threat once again.
Bangladesh
I hope Bangladesh see this as a big series. They have made immeasurable strides in the 50 over format in recent times and are now regulars at the global events. They have also started to show some form in this format as well and with the likes of Ireland and Afghanistan coming into Test matches they should look on that as a reason to keep improving so neither of them overtake them.
Although they are beginning to look more competitive, particularly at home with individual wins over Australia and Sri Lanka in recent times, they have still only won one series in nine years and that was against Zimbabwe so there is much for them to prove. The fact their captaincy keeps on moving around suggests they can’t fall on a plan. They recently hired Steve Rhodes which is a good move as he is excellent at bringing youngsters on as we saw at Worcestershire.
Head to Head
These two sides have met in six series through the years and West Indies have had the upper hand winning five of those but Bangladesh did turn up in the Caribbean in 2009 and win the series 2-0 which might act as a warning for the hosts. That was the only series of the six in which Bangladesh have won a match which may highlight the size of their task in this series.
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Betting
I’m never one for going too mad on two match Test series and I won’t be changing that here but the 7/2 on Bangladesh to win the series without the draw in play is just too tempting for me to refuse.
This is not a vintage West Indies team and if Bangladesh can see off the new ball when they bat then I think they will have every chance of putting up the totals that can be competitive. We know both wickets will turn at some point even if they don’t do it right away and that is sure to play into the hands of the tourists. If they win one of the two matches we can’t lose this bet and it might just be enough to land the prize.
Tips
Back Bangladesh to win Test series (DNB) for a 2/10 stake at 4.50 with Bet365
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