Antigua: Bangladesh seeks an improved performance to fight neck with neck against West Indies when they take on the Caribbean side at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua tomorrow (Friday). The match starts at 8 PM (Bangladesh Time). According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh will enter the series on the back of four consecutive Test defeats, including losses to an inexperienced South African side at home and a One Day International series defeat to Afghanistan. Despite this poor run, they previously achieved a historic series win in Pakistan. In preparation for the series, Bangladesh demonstrated potential in a two-day warm-up game against the West Indies Select XI, where left-arm spinner Murad Hasan claimed a hat trick. The match, held at Antigua's Coolidge Cricket Ground, ended in a draw, with Bangladesh's batters also contributing to a confidence boost. However, the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, which will host the first Test, has been a site of previous woes for Bangladesh, including being b owled out for their lowest total of 43 and suffering an innings and 244-run defeat. Bangladesh's history against West Indies in Test cricket is challenging, with only four wins out of 20 matches, losing 14 and drawing two. Compounding their difficulties, Bangladesh will be without key players such as Shakib Al Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Mushfiqur Rahim, making the side relatively inexperienced for the series. Shakib Al Hasan's absence is particularly notable, as he was expected to play his last Test against South Africa but was unavailable due to concerns over public backlash related to his political involvement with the Awami League Government. Meanwhile, skipper Shanto and Mushfiqur are out due to injuries. Hasan Murad, who impressed in the warm-up game, may make his Test debut. The selectors have also called up Shahadat Hossain Dipu to replace Shanto. In Shanto's absence, all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz will captain the side. On the opposing side, the West Indies, led by Kraigg Brathwaite, includ e a mix of experienced players and fresh talent. However, they will be without former skipper Jason Holder, who is recovering from a shoulder injury. The series will continue with the second Test in Jamaica starting on November 30, followed by three ODIs and three T20 Internationals. Bangladesh Squad: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Litton Das (WK), Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad. West Indies Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Joshua Da Silva (Vice-Captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair, Jomel Warrican
