Tigers ‘adjusting very well’ in the Caribbean

Adjusting to the conditions remains the main issue for Bangladesh players when touring any side, especially any side from outside the subcontinent. But according to Bangladesh batter Nazmul Hossain Shanto, the players have been able to adapt to the conditions in the Caribbean pretty well. 

"It is a positive thing that some of us arrived here a few days early and as a result, we have been able to get rid of the jet lag. And we also did gym sessions, played some fun games among us. So, overall, we have been able to adjust to the conditions here very well," said Shanto in a video message to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). 

Bangladesh are scheduled to play two Tests, three T20Is and three ODIs in their multi-format tour of the West Indies after almost four years. Bangladesh were bundled out for just 43 -- still their lowest score in an innings in Tests -- the last time that the Tigers toured the West Indies in 2018. They were, however, able to bounce back and win both the ODI and T20I series by the margin of 2-1.  

With a change in leadership in Tests, the Tigers could once again face a stern test in the longest format, considered the Achilles heel of Bangladesh cricket. And the players only had one practice session on Thursday and have just one three-day practice match scheduled from Friday before beginning the series with the first Test in Antigua on June 16. 

"We had a practice session today [Thursday] and it was a very good one. We had batting and fielding sessions here today. Overall, we are in very good shape here. We have a practice game scheduled and hopefully, that will further help us in adjusting over here," Shanto added. 

The Tigers' three-day practice match against Cricket West Indies President's XI  is scheduled to begin at around 8:00pm on Friday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. However, it was learned that Shakib Al Hasan, who was named the Test skipper for the third time after Mominul Haque stepped down from the role to focus on his batting, is still due to join the Tigers in the Caribbean. The all-rounder will join the team on June 11.