Following the humiliating loss against Bangladesh by 74 runs in the very first ODI in the Ban vs WI three-match ODI series, West Indies have decided to strengthen their spin attack by adding left-arm spinner Akeal Hossain in the squad for the remainder of the series.
As per the reports, Hossain is set to join the squad ahead of the second ODI clash happening on October 21 as the visitor is looking to make a comeback after the loss.
Ban vs WI: West Indies’ strategy to Add Akeal Hosein to the Squad
West Indies team is set to recall one of the talented spinners they have in their roster as they are about to face Bangladesh in a second Ban vs WI ODI match following the loss in the first ODI on October 18 in Mirpur. Akeal Hossain will arrive on Monday night to join the team ahead of the intense clash against Bangladesh as the visitor is aiming to bounce back from the loss in the opening game by 74 runs.
Talking to the media, the cricket West Indies media officer Jerome Foster said, “Akeal is expected to arrive tonight to join the ODI team.” While the decision might be shocking for most of the cricket fans, looking from the West Indies’ bowling perspective, it reflects the teams’ plan to adapt the spin-friendly conditions in Bangladesh, especially after observing how spinners were effective in the very first match.
In the first Ban vs WI ODI in the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur the spinners took over the game in a slow pitch. Khary Pierre of West Indies bowled superbly with only 19 runs conceded in his 10 overs, while Roston Chase picked 2 wickets. But a spin duo of Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam of Bangladesh showed the spin, and the game was totally in their favor as they shared eight wickets and the hosts won easily.
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In order to address these circumstances, the two teams have altered their squads. Another left-arm spinner, Nasum Ahmed has been added by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to further give depth of spin. Conversely the West Indies management has summoned up Hosein who is reputed to be accurate and in control of the game during the middle overs.
Ramon Simmonds, a 24-year-old left arm pacer is also called up for a maiden ODI after playing two T20 International matches against West Indies. In the meantime, the team will have fast bowlers Jediah Blades and Shamar Joseph back to the Caribbean, with them looking to change their lineup depending on the prevailing circumstances.
On the other hand, the veteran all-rounder, Jason Holder will join the West Indies squad on October 21 for the Ban vs WI T20I series, happening from October 27.
Amit Mishra’s Take
As a long time cricket follower, I am not surprised to see West Indies calling up Akeal Hossain for the remaining ODI fixtures in the Ban vs WI clash. The decision to recall the left-arm spinner to the squad came after the team analyzed how the spinners were effective in the first ODI in the conditions offered by Bangladesh. The addition of Hossain to the squad will certainly be impactful since Bangladesh’s condition offers something that significantly provides advantage to the bowlers who spin the bowl quickly.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also included another left-arm spinner, Nasum Ahmed ahead of the second ODI clash. It will be interesting to see how the spinner will perform in the remainder of the ODI series.
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