The West Indies beat Bangladesh by 229 runs in the second and final Test in Mirpur. The match – October 29-November 2 – was notable for centuries by Kirk Edwards and Darren Bravo (his first) and five-wicket hauls for fast bowler Fidel Edwards and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, also his first. It also signified the first overseas series victory for the regional team since 2003 in Zimbabwe. Along with the performances mentioned there were enough solid contributions from the others to classify this as an all-round team effort.
Kraigg Braithwaite
The teenager in his third Test recorded his highest score in the manner he has become renowned for, steady and purposeful. His first innings 50 was part of an opening stand of 100 which laid the foundation for a formidable WI total. A slight hesitation on his part, and a smart piece of fielding meant he failed to bother the scorers the second time around. Although showing good temperament he would need to add to his repertoire of scoring shots since at the highest level teams will only be too happy to exploit his favourite daub down to thirdman.
Grade: B-
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Kieran Powell
The tall Nevisian played his second Test after Lendl Simmons was ruled out injured. Renowned for his dashing stroke-play the left-hander tempered his natural instincts to compile a composed 72 in the first innings. Adopting a similar approach in the second innings might have produced another handy score but it was obvious he struggled with the restraint and gifted his wicket. He will do well to appreciate that every innings is a new one.
Grade: B-
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Kirk Edwards
Also in his third Test Edwards enhanced his growing reputation as a steady hand. His fighting 121 in the first innings was century number two in his short career and could only have been bettered by another three-figure score in the second innings. That he fell 14 short could be attributed more to a lapse in concentration than to any guile from the bowler, he was so in control.
Grade: A
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Darren Bravo
It took 10 Test matches to show up but when it did Bravo’s first century was a joy to behold. After failing in the first innings the left-hander made up with an innings that batted the Bangladeshis right out of the game. With the proverbial monkey off his back fans will be looking forward to more such innings from the left-hander. He also went a long way towards rescuing his reputation as a fielder with two sharp catches at forward shortleg.
Grade: A
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Shivnarine Chanderpaul
The veteran left-hander puttered around for an unconvincing 18 in the first innings before being undone by a beauty. He was a lot more fluent and enterprising the second time around when adding 143 for the fifth wicket with Bravo. His unbeaten 59 was complimented by some good slip catching.
Grade: B
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Marlon Samuels
Mr. Cool was fluent in his only turn at the crease. His 48 was crucial in helping WI from a tricky 232 for five in the first innings before, as we have become to expect from him, he threw it away. Still he made important breakthroughs in both innings bowling his off-spin for it to be a factor in his final grade.
Grade: B-
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Carlton Baugh
He didn’t spend much time in front of the stumps during his only appearance but turned in another competent performance behind them. He continues to do his reputation no harm since returning to the team late last year.
Grade: B-
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Darren Sammy
The beleaguered captain may have emerged from this match as the happiest member of the team. Constantly criticized by fans questioning his place in the team Sammy did not stick around for long when he batted. His medium-pacers provided containment in the first innings and broke two threatening partnerships in the second when he also held a couple of smart catches among four. As captain he hardly put a foot wrong apart from some questionable field placing in the first innings.
Grade: B-
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Kemar Roach
Once again the pace man was handed an opportunity through injury, this time to Ravi Rampaul, and once again he failed to make the most of it. He struggled with both his length and line in the first innings, and was only slightly better in the second when he picked up his only wicket, that of the Number 11. With tour matches dwindling in number these days Roach must make use of net sessions to prepare himself for when opportunities arrive.
Grade: C
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Fidel Edwards
Edwards’ assault on the Bangladeshi top order on the second day set the platform for what turned out to be a substantial first innings lead of 124. He claimed the first five wickets as the home side slumped to 59 for five. He was not as successful in the second although he did make the initial breakthrough.
Grade: A-
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Devendra Bishoo
The little leg-spinner registered his maiden five-wicket haul on the way to the best match figures by a West Indies spinner since the days of the legendary Lance Gibbs. His eight wickets were just reward for attacking the batsmen throughout the game. If there can be a criticism of Bishoo it would have to be his reluctance/inability to bowl the googly. Added to his armoury it should see him produce many more such hauls.
Grade: A
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