DHAKA, Nov 22, 2024 (BSS)-Bangladesh stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz 
chose to bowl first in the two-match series opening Test against West Indies 
at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua today.

Miraz is leading the side in absence of Najmul Hossain Shanto who was ruled 
out of the series following an injury, sustained during the ODI series 
against Afghanistan.

Apart from Shanto, Bangladesh also lost veteran Mushfiqur Rahim to injury, 
meaning they had to field a side with young bloods. 

"I'd like to bowl first because I think the first hour is important for 
bowlers," Miraz told the broadcasters, explaining his decision to bowl first 
instead of choosing bat first. 

"Wicket looks good but we have to take advantage in the first hour. We've got 
two spinners, Taijul and myself, and three fast bowlers. It's a great 
opportunity for the top order batsmen. We have had good communication. We 
have to focus on our batting."

The Antigua pitch historically favours the first bowlers. Bangladesh were 
bowled out for 43, their lowest Test innings total in this ground in 2018.

In fact, Bangladesh lost all of the matches, they played in this ground.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite said he also would have bowled first if 
he won the toss.

"We'd have bowled first, but in saying that the pitch is decent and it has 
some moisture," Brathwaite said.

"We had a nice camp here before the Test series. The guys are in good 
spirits. We've got here a lot of success with pacers, so we are going with 
four quality fast bowlers. We will need to stay hungry as a batter, and to 
get in, you have to be harder. We want to go big, not be satisfied with a 
fifty."

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Shahadat Hossain 
Dipu, Liton Das(w), Jaker Ali Anik, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mehidy Hasan 
Miraz(c), Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam.

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite(c), Mikyle Louis, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, 
Joshua Da Silva(w), Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar 
Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales.