West Indies took control of the opening Test against Bangladesh on the second day in Mirpur on Thursday, October 29, bowling the hosts out for 272 and reaching 134 for 4 at stumps, despite a late batting wobble that kept the contest alive before rain and bad light ended play early at approximately 4:35 p.m. local time.
Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican claimed 5 for 53 as Bangladesh collapsed dramatically in the morning session, losing their final seven wickets for just 59 runs after resuming on 213 for 3, according to Kaieteur News.
Warrican and Bishop Trigger a Bangladesh Collapse
Bangladesh began the day seemingly well placed to post a substantial first-innings total. Instead, the innings disintegrated inside two sessions, with the last five wickets falling for only 19 runs.
Debutant Joshua Bishop started the slide by removing Shadman Islam shortly after the opener had completed his third Test century. Towhid Hridoy followed soon after, falling to a loose shot that allowed Bishop to hit the stumps.
Warrican then bowled Mehidy Hasan Miraz, while Shamar Joseph accounted for Nayeem Hasan and Mahmud in quick succession. Warrican completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam off successive deliveries, bringing the innings to an abrupt end at 272.
Warrican and Bishop combined for seven of the ten wickets, with the debutant finishing with 2 for 61, the Trinidad Express reported. It was a disciplined showing from a bowling unit that had struggled for control on the opening day.
Campbell's Half-Century Anchors the Reply
West Indies' response began positively through opener John Campbell, who anchored the innings with a determined half-century. He and Tagenarine Chanderpaul added 61 for the second wicket, recovering from the early loss of Brandon King, caught behind by substitute wicketkeeper Jaker Ali off Hasan Mahmud.
Campbell was fortunate, surviving dropped catches on 5 and 22, before reaching his fifty and taking the attack to Bangladesh with a series of confident drives.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz eventually broke through shortly after a rain interruption in the final session. Campbell edged a delivery outside off stump, and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto took an outstanding reflex catch at slip.
Taijul Swings the Momentum Back
Taijul Islam then swung the match back toward the hosts with two wickets in a single over. Mominul Haque took a sharp, low catch at silly mid-off to remove Kavem Hodge, before Amir Jangoo was caught at deep square-leg by Tanzid Hasan.
West Indies slipped from 90 for 1 to 97 for 4, surrendering much of the advantage built through Campbell's innings, Telecomasia reported.
Chanderpaul and Greaves Steady the Ship
Chanderpaul, unbeaten on 43 with six boundaries, and Justin Greaves, 15 not out from 22 deliveries, steadied the innings with an unbroken 37-run fifth-wicket partnership before the weather closed in.
At stumps, West Indies trailed by 138 runs with six first-innings wickets in hand. The visitors hold a slender advantage heading into day three, though Bangladesh's late strikes, and the twin threat of Taijul and Mehidy on a wearing pitch, ensure the contest remains finely balanced, according to ESPNcricinfo's match report.
What Comes Next on Day Three
The third day will likely decide the shape of the match. If Chanderpaul and Greaves can extend their partnership and push West Indies past 272, the tourists will hold a commanding position. If Bangladesh strike early, the game tightens considerably.
For a Caribbean side rebuilding under its current leadership, Warrican's five-wicket haul and Bishop's promising debut offer encouraging signs for the remainder of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jomel Warrican's bowling figure against Bangladesh?
Warrican took 5 for 53, dismissing Taijul Islam and Shoriful Islam off consecutive deliveries to end the Bangladesh innings at 272.
How many runs did Bangladesh lose their last seven wickets for?
Bangladesh lost their final seven wickets for just 59 runs on the second morning in Mirpur.
What was the West Indies score at stumps on day two?
West Indies were 134 for 4 at stumps on the second day, trailing Bangladesh by 138 runs.