Pacers provide control on desolate day 

Bangladesh fast-bowlers provided a sense of stability after the Tiger batsmen went through a turbulent first innings of the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Thursday.

The Tigers crumbled in Antigua as they only managed 103, courtesy of 51 from skipper Shakib Al Hasan.

The fast-bowling trio of Mustafizur Rahman, Khaled Ahmed, and Ebadot Hossain bowled with great control and scalped two Caribbean wickets as the hosts ended the day at 95-2.

The Fizz, in his return to red-ball cricket, picked up the wicket of opener John Campbell, who scored 24, and Ebadot bowled a ripper to get rid of Raymon Reifer for 11 runs.

Bangladesh’s fast-bowling performance on the first day was perhaps the only ray of sunshine as the Tigers also had a dropped catch to further blemish a dismal day.

Mominul Haque, who stepped down as captain, failed to grasp on a sharp chance at leg-gully off the bat of Windies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite.

The fast-bowling trio remained vigilant and displayed great discipline as all three conceded runs at a rate under two runs an over, with Mustafiz’s economy being 0.83.

Had it not been for the pacers’ performance on day one, Bangladesh would be staring down at the bottom of the barrel, with nothing to show for after a bleak outlook in the first innings.

Skipper Shakib praised his fast bowlers and had the regret of not pouncing on the opportunities provided.

“I am very happy with today’s performance. We had a few chances. If we could’ve taken those, it would’ve been a perfect day for the pacers. It is something we haven’t had for a long time,” he said after the day’s play.

“I think the pace department has bowled very well. They have bowled in partnerships. Mustafiz was fantastic, and Khaled bowled really well with the new ball. Ebadot has been bowling well in Tests,” he added.