2nd Test: West Indies fumble catches; Shadman Islam hits fifty on truncated opening day in Jamaica

NEW DELHI: West Indies’ poor catching allowed Bangladesh to recover from an early collapse, as the visitors closed a rain-curtailed Day 1 of the second and final Test at 69/2 after electing to bat at Sabina Park, Jamaica, on Saturday.
Opener Shadman Islam, brought in as one of two changes after Bangladesh’s crushing 201-run defeat in Antigua, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 50. His fifth Test half-century came off 100 deliveries and featured three boundaries and a six off part-time spinner Kavem Hodge, as the West Indies turned to spinners in fading light.
Bangladesh’s early troubles stemmed from Kemar Roach, who struck twice in quick succession to dismiss Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque, leaving the visitors reeling at 10/2. However, Shadman and Shahadat Hossain (12 not out) stitched an unbroken 59-run stand, aided by sloppy fielding.
Shadman was dropped by Kraigg Brathwaite at short extra cover off Justin Greaves, marring what was otherwise a celebratory match for the West Indies captain. Playing his 86th consecutive Test, Brathwaite surpassed Sir Garfield Sobers’ record of 85 for the most consecutive matches by a West Indies player.
Shahadat also benefited from a fielding error, with Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge failing to hold on to an edged drive off Jayden Seales in the slips.
Reflecting on the day’s play, Roach, who claimed both wickets, said, “It’s just about pegging away, just to keep challenging guys on the front foot. It’s been a pretty even day for us.”
Roach’s two scalps brought his tally of Test wickets against Bangladesh to 50, with an overall career haul of 279.
The day’s play began late due to damp conditions caused by torrential rain over the past three days, despite bright sunshine earlier in the morning.