By Leighton Levy- Jayden Seales delivered a spell for the ages as the West Indies took command of the second Test against Bangladesh at Sabina Park on Sunday. Seales returned remarkable figures of 15.5-10-5-4, the most economical spell in Test cricket since 1977 (minimum 60 balls), to help bowl out Bangladesh for 164. By stumps, the West Indies had reached 70 for 1, trailing by just 94 runs with Kraigg Brathwaite unbeaten on 33.
The day began with Bangladesh at 69 for 2, but a spectacular collapse triggered by Shamar Joseph and capped by Seales’ precision left the visitors reeling. Shamar’s fiery spell tore through the middle order, claiming 3 for 49 in a 34-ball blitz that reduced Bangladesh to 98 for 6.
Shamar first broke a patient 73-run stand between Shadman Islam (64) and Shahadat Hossain (22), clean-bowling Shahadat. He then removed Jaker Ali with a well-directed short ball, inducing a top edge that was safely caught by Joshua Da Silva behind the stumps. Shamar followed that by finding the edge of Shadman’s bat, giving Da Silva his fourth catch of the innings.
Seales struck immediately after, dismissing Litton Das (1) at first slip to keep the pressure on. However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (36) and Taijul Islam (10) briefly resisted with a stubborn partnership of 41, frustrating the West Indies bowlers with their defiance over 116 balls.
After the stand was broken by Alzarri Joseph, Seales cleaned up the tail clinically. He removed Taskin Ahmed, whose attempted pull lobbed to Alick Athanaze at second slip via a deflection off Da Silva. Mehidy then top-edged a hook to fine leg, and Seales wrapped up the innings by uprooting Nahid Rana’s leg stump.
The West Indies’ reply began cautiously, with the Bangladeshi seamers maintaining tight lines. Mikyle Louis fell early to Nahid Rana for 12, but Brathwaite and Keacy Carty (21)* steadied the innings. Taijul Islam bowled seven maidens in his ten overs, extracting turn and bounce from the surface, but the West Indies openers remained resolute until bad light forced early stumps for the second day in a row.
Seales’ brilliant display has given the West Indies the upper hand as they aim to build a significant first-innings lead on day three. With Brathwaite and Carty well-set, the hosts will look to press home their advantage and secure a commanding position in the match. (Sportsmax)
