Wickham says West Indies target big first total to put pressure on Bangladesh

Sylhet, 5 Nov  - West Indies debutant Kevin Wickham said his side sets a goal to put on big total on the board to establish complete control in the second and final Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Wickham made an impressive start to his Test career, scoring 61 as West Indies reached 235-4 on the opening day after being sent in to bat.

He shared a crucial 131-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Amir Jangoo, who remained unbeaten on 111 to put West Indies in a commanding position.

Wickham believes a substantial first-innings total could prove decisive on a pitch that has so far offered good batting conditions but is expected to deteriorate as the match progresses.

"I think it's good for us to try to get up to a massive total, probably 400-plus, 350-plus. The way the surface is playing at the moment, it's a wicket where you would want to bat once and give yourself the opportunity to bowl twice at these guys," Wickham told reporters after the day's play.

"We know the pitch will deteriorate a bit. So, once we get up to a good total, probably 350-plus, I think we will be in a really good position."

Wickham's Test debut came somewhat unexpectedly after several West Indies players were reportedly unwell the previous night. The team management had asked him to remain prepared in case an opportunity arose.

"The coach actually told me to stay ready because a few guys weren't feeling well last night. It was basically about getting myself in the right frame of mind, just in case the opportunity presented itself," he said.

 "When I came to the ground this morning and was sitting in the dressing room, the coach came to me and said, 'Congratulations, you'll be making your debut.'"

The 23-year-old said playing Test cricket had always been a dream, and his remarkable domestic performances earlier this year had made him believe he could earn a place in the national side.

Wickham scored three consecutive centuries in April, but he admitted that breaking into a West Indies Test side that had been performing well was not easy.

"Honestly, it's always a dream to play Test cricket. When you have performances like those, you obviously think you're in with a chance. But our Test team had been doing well over the past few months, so I thought it would be difficult to break into the team," he said.

"Once the opportunity presents itself, I make sure I'm ready and fit to grab it."

Wickham acknowledged feeling nervous during his first Test innings, particularly after West Indies lost three early wickets when Bangladesh's fast bowlers exploited the morning conditions.

However, he remained patient and focused on spending as much time as possible at the crease.

"Obviously, it was my first Test innings, so there were a few nerves. We lost some wickets early, but my aim was simply to bat as long as possible," he said.

"As you saw today, once the new ball was over, batting became a bit easier and the pitch played very well."

He also praised Jangoo for guiding him through the innings, saying the experienced batter's advice helped him understand the demands of Test cricket.

Jangoo, who struck his second Test century in just 10 innings, was particularly helpful in encouraging him to remain patient against Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack.

 "Amir batted very well. For most of my innings, he was guiding me and telling me that this is what Test cricket is all about - staying patient. The bowling is much more consistent, so I just trusted my defence, and I think that worked very well for me," Wickham said.

"Kudos to Jangoo for a brilliant hundred. It's just about playing your natural game."BSS