Bangladesh facing daunting task in 2-test series versus resurgent Gayle-inspired West Indies

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DHAKA, Bangladesh — Bangladesh will be looking to add to a pitiful record of only three victories out of 73 tests since playing its first 12 years ago when it takes on a West Indies team still buoyant from winning the World Twenty20 title last month.

The first of two tests against West Indies begins Tuesday at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, and Bangladesh faces a daunting task with its last test series coming nearly 11 months ago when it was comfortably beaten 2-0 at home by Pakistan.

West Indies captain Darren Sammy, however, refuses to be complacent despite winning a 2-0 test series win over New Zealand before clinching the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

“They are a difficult team to play in their own backyard. (But) once we go out and execute our team plan, we are quite confident that we will be victorious,” Sammy told a news conference. “We look at the Bangladesh team, they have a few seasoned players and experienced players and we are going to . come up with the right plan to go out and compete against them.”

Making it more difficult for Bangladesh has been the loss of coach Richard Pybus, who resigned last month amid alleged interference from country’s cricket administration. Bowling coach Shane Jurgensen has temporarily taken the head coach role.

“Obviously this is a big challenge because we are playing test cricket after a long time,” Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim said. “I hope that everybody is mentally ready and prepared. Long innings, we all have the capability to play long innings. Many have played long innings before, that confidence is there.”

Star West Indies batsman Chris Gayle headlines a strong squad that includes spinner Sunil Narine, veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and allrounder Darren Bravo, while rookie left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has been called up.

“Chris is one of our most experienced players. When he is batting, it becomes much easier. There is no pressure for you to score,” Sammy said, before mentioning his new spinner. “We have a good combination we used in the past. But you know young Permaul stands a good chance of playing.”

“We respect them (Bangladesh). I expect this series to be a keenly contested series. One bad session could actually cost you the test match. Both teams will be ready to battle.

For Bangladesh, Rahim said allrounder Shakib Al Hasan and batsman Tamim Iqbal will have to assume key responsibilities.

“If they play well, if we can add to their scores, then definitely our batting will be good,” Rahim said.

Bangladesh has included offspinner Sohag Gazi and medium-pacer Abul Hasan as the uncapped players in its 14-player squad but it is unclear if they will play in the first test.

The 20-year-old Hasan played four Twenty20 internationals for Bangladesh this year, while chief selector Akran Khan said recently that 21-yer-old Gazi would play a significant role in the series.

The second test starts Nov. 21 and is in Khulna.

12:15ET 12-11-12