BAN vs WI 1st Test: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Antigua Pitch Report 

Muskaan Bhatt

Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua [Source: @gavinpearse/X]Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua [Source: @gavinpearse/X]

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Bangladesh and West Indies are all set to meet one another in a multi-format series starting from Friday. The Bangla Tigers and Men In Maroon will cross blades in the first Test of the two-match Test series at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, West Indies on November 22.

Both Kraigg Brathwaite led Windies and Mehidy Hasan Miraz's Bangladesh are coming after suffering from hefty losses. Having lost to South Africa in their respective home Test series, they would aim to bounce back stronger and redeem themselves in the upcoming series.

As the two teams prepare to face-off against one another, let's take a close look at the ground stats, pitch report and players to watch out for in the highly-anticipated clash:

Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Stats And Records In Tests

Criteron
Data
Matches Played 12
Matches Won Batting First
2
Matches Won Batting Second 4
Average 1st Innings Score 272
Average Runs Per Over2.98


Sir Vivian Richards Stadium Pitch Report: Is it batting or bowling-friendly?

The wicket at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is renowned for offering slow and low bounce, so it is naturally helpful for batters in the initial few overs. Early on, particularly on the first day, fast bowlers will find some movement and bounce, and the surface has sometimes helped pace the attack.

However, as the game unfolds, the track will likely break up and be susceptible to spin, especially on Day 2 and 3. Batters will find it difficult to take advantage of the flat, slow conditions during the middle overs, and the runs might not flow as openly as they would hope. 

Given the pitch's tendency to deteriorate over time, the general trend is for teams to bat first, exploiting the batting-friendly surface before it offers more help to the spinners. 

Players To Watch Out For At Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

  • Taijul Islam: This left-arm orthodox spinner has been one of the best bowlers for Bangladesh, having picked up two five wicket hauls and one three-wicket haul against South Africa in the recently concluded series. Expect him to be on his toes as he meets the Windies.
  • Anderson Phillip: This WI all-rounder, has been a crucial player for the Men in Maroon, with both the bat and the ball. A consistent wicket-taker, he has picked up 20 wickets from the last 10 games and would be ready to get back with the same fire.
  • Jaker Ali: Despite being dismissed for a handful of single digit scores, Ali's resilience to fight back and play his game fearlessly makes him a strong contender for the upcoming contest. He even slammed a well-made 58 runs against South Africa. The upcoming game would be a challenge, however, it could be Jaker Ali's day.