The West Indies tightened their grip on the Antigua Test as Day 3 concluded with Bangladesh struggling at 269 for 9, trailing the hosts by 181 runs. Despite flashes of resilience from Jaker Ali and Mominul Haque, the visitors find themselves precariously placed, unable to match the sustained brilliance of the West Indies’ all-round performance.
West Indies Bowling Shines Across All Sessions
A clinical bowling effort by the West Indies ensured Bangladesh remained on the back foot throughout the day. Spearheaded by Alzarri Joseph (3-69), Jayden Seales, and Justin Greaves, the hosts capitalized on a sluggish surface to dismantle the Bangladeshi batting order.
The day began with Bangladesh on the defensive. Mominul Haque’s boundaries off Shamar Joseph offered a glimmer of hope, but Kemar Roach quickly removed Shahadat Hossain, who labored to 18 off 71 balls. The dismissal set the tone for a day where Bangladeshi batters struggled to convert starts into substantial scores.
Resistance Amid Struggles in Antigua Test
Mominul and Litton Das briefly steadied the innings, adopting a watchful approach to reach 143 for 4 at lunch. Litton, usually known for his fluent stroke play, curbed his instincts, managing a boundary-laden 40 off 76 balls before dragging a short delivery onto his stumps. Mominul’s patient knock of 50 was cut short by Seales, who trapped him lbw shortly after the left-hander reached his milestone.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, standing in as captain, endured a torrid session against bouncers from Alzarri Joseph and Seales. His brief innings ended when an Alzarri bouncer found its way to short leg, leaving Bangladesh at 183 for 6.
Jaker and Taijul Offer Late Resistance
Bangladesh’s hopes of avoiding the follow-on rested on the partnership between Jaker Ali and Taijul Islam. The duo stitched together a gritty 68-run stand for the seventh wicket, showcasing determination against a tiring West Indies attack. Jaker’s aggressive intent, marked by four boundaries, was complemented by Taijul’s deft placement behind square.
The stand was eventually broken when Alzarri Joseph bowled Taijul for 38. Jaker’s defiance ended at 53, caught on the midwicket boundary off Greaves, leaving Bangladesh perilously close to being bowled out.
West Indies in Command
The West Indies entered Day 3 with a strong position built on their first innings total of 450 for 9 declared, highlighted by Justin Greaves’ unbeaten 115, Mikyle Louis’ 97, and Alick Athanaze’s 90. Their bowlers reinforced that advantage, ensuring Bangladesh could not wrest momentum at any stage of the day.
The hosts will now aim to wrap up Bangladesh’s innings quickly on Day 4 and push for a decisive result, provided rain stays away from North Sound. With the West Indies holding all the aces, the penultimate day promises more action as they eye a commanding victory.
Conclusion
The West Indies’ dominant all-round display underscores their intent to climb the ICC World Test Championship standings, while Bangladesh must regroup to salvage pride in the remainder of the series.
