Antigua: Wicket-keeper batter Mahidul Islam Ankon believes they can thrive in West Indies condition if they are able to assess the situation well. Bangladesh dominated the two-day warm up game against West Indies Select XI before it ended in a draw with left-arm spinner Hasan Murad starring with a hat-trick. The warm-up match was held at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. But the ground Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, which will host the first Test from Friday, is not a happy hunting place for the Tigers. In this ground in 2018, they had experienced their worst day in Test cricket by being all out for 43, their lowest total in an innings in this format. Ahead of the two-match series opener, the memory of that Test came back again. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ankon emphasized the importance of adapting to the conditions in the upcoming matches. He shared his insights in a conversation with his teammate Jaker Ali Anik in a video posted on BCB's social media. Ankon stated, "The condit ion here is alien. My plan was to assess how the wicket behaves. When I understood the wicket, I started playing accordingly." Jaker Ali, who was the top-scorer among the Bangladeshi batters with 48, took self-retirement to give others an opportunity to bat. Jaker and Ankon combined for an 81-run partnership in that practice game. The wicket-keeper batter further mentioned, "The wicket was little slow. We both were able to make a good partnership. I think we have to plan and play according to the situation, there is more swing here, we have to prepare for that in advance." Despite their efforts, it is unlikely that both of the batters could make way for the first Test. Jaker Ali made his Test debut against South Africa at home. Although he scored 2 in the first innings, he came back strongly to add 58 runs in the second innings. However, he suffered a head injury ahead of the second Test that ruled him out, paving the way for Ankon to make his Test debut. This time, both of them have been flown together to the Caribbean Islands. Whoever is in the XI will have to face a tough test given Bangladesh batters' vulnerability in this ground. In 2018, Bangladesh suffered an innings and 219 runs defeat after being all out for 43 and 144 runs respectively in two innings. The situation was almost the same in 2022, but they at least could save them from an innings defeat. Bangladesh was able to put up 103 and 245 respectively in two innings before tasting a seven-wicket defeat.
