Bangladesh declared their first innings before play started on the third morning of their Test match against West Indies, despite being 181 runs behind. Here's why.
The unexpected decision was made ahead of play at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, and would have come as a shock to those following the game. West Indies declared their first innings on 450-9 after a century from Justin Greaves and 90 and 97 from Alick Athanaze and Mikyle Louis respectively put them ahead of the game.
In response, Bangladesh were reduced to 66-3 when Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan and Shahadat Hossain all fell cheaply. The middle order, however, offered some resilience, Mominul Haque and Jaker Ali both scoring half-centuries, and a 40 from Litton Das both taking them past 200. But, by the time they were nine wickets down, with Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam at the crease, Bangladesh were still almost 200 runs off West Indies' first innings score.
At the close of play on day three, bad light ending proceedings early, Bangladesh were 269-9. Despite Neither Taskin nor Shoriful being renowned batters, the 12 runs they'd added in three and a half overs before the end of play gave some hope of at least encroaching slightly more into the hosts' lead, especially with plenty of time left in the game.
However, before play on day four, stand-in Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz enacted the declaration. West Indies openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Louis made their way out into the middle.
There could be several reasons for Bangladesh's decision to declare. The runs Taskin and Shoriful could have added on day four likely would have made little difference to the deficit Bangladesh were facing. Equally, their only hope of getting 10 West Indies wickets quickly and chasing a fourth innings target would be through their fast-bowling contingent, and keeping them free of injury is essential.
Nevertheless, the move did to some extent pay off. Taskin removed both Louis and Keacy Carty for single-figure scores, and Brathwaite was dismissed by Shoriful in the 12th over of the day for 23, leaving West Indies 39-3, leading by 220.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
