Mushfiqur out with injury as Bangladesh opt to bat first

Experienced campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh's highest scorer in this format, was left out of the squad after sustaining a hand injury ahead of the Test, a major blow for the side.

But wicket-keeper batter Liton Das returned to the team after a hip injury that ruled him out of the recent tri-series ODI in the UAE.

Bangladesh are bidding to reach the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) for the first time.

Currently fourth in the WTC standings, Bangladesh need to win at least four of their remaining six matches and draw one to keep their hopes of reaching the final for the first time alive.

The task appears challenging, with Bangladesh scheduled to tour South Africa and host England in their final two series of the current WTC cycle after the West Indies assignment.

However, a series victory over West Indies could put Bangladesh in a favourable position. The visitors are currently eighth in the standings, making the hosts favourites on paper.

Bangladesh chose to bolster the spin attack, adding offspiner Nayeem Hasan to the playing XI alongside fellow offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam.

West Indies are looking to finish its last series of the World Test Championship on a high by winning the Bangladesh tests.

All-rounder Justin Greaves made it to the West Indies playing XI after an injury scare, giving the side relief, reports BSS.
 
Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam, Towhid Hridoy, Shoriful Islam.

West Indies: John Campbell, Brandon King, Tagnarine Chanderpaul, Kevam Hodge, Amir Jangoo, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seals, Jomel Warrican