The West Indies cricket team has made a strategic move to strengthen their spin options for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Bangladesh by recalling left-arm orthodox spinner Akeal Hosein. This decision comes after the visitors suffered a 74-run defeat in the series opener, where spinners from both sides dominated the low and slow pitch at the Sher-E-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
Hosein, along with left-arm fast bowler Ramon Simmonds, was added to the squad on October 20, replacing injured fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Jediah Blades. Blades has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour due to a stress fracture in his lower back, while Joseph is set to consult a specialist in England for shoulder discomfort.
The inclusion of Hosein is expected to provide the West Indies with much-needed firepower in their bowling attack, which struggled in the first ODI. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has reinforced their spin-heavy approach by adding left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed to their squad. The hosts have not lost a home ODI series since 2011, making the challenge even more daunting for the West Indies.
Khary Pierre, who made his ODI return after nearly five years, emphasized the importance of adapting to the spin-friendly conditions. “The wicket is very spinner-friendly, and as batsmen, we have to adapt quickly,” Pierre said in a pre-match press conference. Drawing from his recent experience in India, Pierre highlighted the need for discipline and patience on subcontinental pitches.
Despite the challenging conditions, Pierre stressed that the team’s focus remains on execution rather than the pitch. “We have to play on any wicket provided to us. It’s about adapting and playing the game the right way,” he added. With Hosein and Pierre leading the spin department, the West Indies aim to exploit the surface’s assistance and keep Bangladesh’s batsmen at bay.
Pierre, who described his comeback as a result of persistence and hard work, expressed his pride in representing the West Indies. “Playing for the West Indies is my biggest motivation. I’m here to help my team win games,” he said. The team will look to leverage Hosein’s experience in the powerplay as they seek to keep the series alive ahead of the final ODI on October 23.