First test.

[Nikhil]

B'desh have had a really good start.

101/1 at lunch on day-1. That's fantastic. Is the WI, who are doing badly or B'desh is playing well?

[Pete]

I watched abit earlier, WI keep bowling short and down leg side, Bashar just hooks them for 4 when they bowl short.

[peterduce]

Originally Posted by Hampshire Guy

I watched abit earlier, WI keep bowling short and down leg side, Bashar just hooks them for 4 when they bowl short.

I watched it on TV over here. The Banglas batted like seasoned professionals, they were a credit to the game. Bashar's innings was a joy to watch.

The Windies had absolutely nothing substantial to offer in any respect. Only dear old, nearly geriatric, Ridley Jacobs showed any determination, (he's from just up the road, in Sweetes village, from where I live). His catch from the rebound from the short fielder's bum from a Sarwan delivery beggared belief.

Batsman's wicket it seems. See how long the Banglas can hang in tomorrow morning, and then see what the WI can do against a reasonable looking attack! For my money they could well give the Windies a run for their money.

As I said in an earlier post on some other thread, I hope the Banglas get some thing out of this series

[Whips_off_the_bails]

I saw the game up until the rain interruption. Bashar's century was scintillating. What happened after that, did the pitch get juiced up under the covers, or did Bangladesh toss their wickets away? I can't help feeling they're heading for a sub-par total despite their excellent start.

[Pete]

Bashar tried to pull another short ball, Windies appealed 'cos they thought it come off the glove. It didn't and he was given not out, so they tried another short ball the next delivery, tried the pull shot again and picked out a fielder.

[peterduce]

No, there wasn't enough rain to affect the wicket significantly. It was starting to wear, (roughen), from it's "shiny" state at the open anyway.

The Banglas just seemed as if they couldn't believe how well the had done and looked as if they were losing their nerve a bit.

Should be interesting today. Must check the weather; after a dry night, we've just had a heavy shower here in Antigua, and it's clouded over after the bright start when I took my dogs out for a walk at 6:30

[Nikhil]

The match seems to be heading towards a draw. WI have avoided follow on with Gayle's century. Don't think there will be a result now. Bangla bowling doesn't seem to be penetrative enough.

Surprised Lara got out cheaply. How did that happen? Did anyone see it live?

[peterduce]

Originally Posted by Nikhil

The match seems to be heading towards a draw. WI have avoided follow on with Gayle's century. Don't think there will be a result now. Bangla bowling doesn't seem to be penetrative enough.

Surprised Lara got out cheaply. How did that happen? Did anyone see it live?

I agree, a draw seems the likely outcome. Gayle still there at the close, good reponsible innings from him, (for a change).

Lara had no hestitation in walking after a catch behind by Mashud from a Rahman delivery. He was trying to glance the ball for a four as he can do so well but appeared to open the face of the bat a bit too much.

Not so sure about the penetrative bowling issue, or lack of it, the Banglas dropped 5, (6?), catches. That puts them about on a par with the Windies in lost opportunities.

[Nikhil]

Originally Posted by peterduce

I agree, a draw seems the likely outcome. Gayle still there at the close, good reponsible innings from him, (for a change).

Lara had no hestitation in walking after a catch behind by Mashud from a Rahman delivery. He was trying to glance the ball for a four as he can do so well but appeared to open the face of the bat a bit too much.

Not so sure about the penetrative bowling issue, or lack of it, the Banglas dropped 5, (6?), catches. That puts them about on a par with the Windies in lost opportunities.

Oh you mean the bowling was good? That's a good news. Dropping is criminal at this level, yet I see so many chances go down. It's aweful. Hope the match gets real tight. Two more days left. If B'desh can get the last five wickets quick, they can call shots.

[Whips_off_the_bails]

Bangladesh have bowled themselves to a 64 run lead thanks to Rafique and Rahman. It's difficult to see how they can lose now. Although lots of time has been lost to rain, their performance has been quite creditable, despite dropping nine (!) catches yesterday. West Indies have plenty of problems with the continued poor form of Chanderpaul, Dwayne Smith's inability to knuckle down at crucial times, not to mention their ineffective bowling.