With a 1‑0 lead in Bangladesh, West Indies coach Daren Sammy is set to chase a 2‑0 series victory that could end the calendar year without a Test series defeat for the first time in three decades.
Key points
- A 2‑0 series win would let West Indies finish 2026 without a Test series loss for the first time since 1994.
- Coach Daren Sammy credits a settled top order and strategic batting changes for the team’s recent success.
- Kemar Roach may be recalled for the Sylhet Test if the pitch offers more assistance to seam bowlers.
The West Indies cricket team begins the second Test of their 2026 series against Bangladesh at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today, looking to seal a 2‑0 win after an eight‑wicket triumph in Mirpur, Dhaka. The series lead already guarantees the Caribbean side will finish the year without losing a Test series – a milestone not achieved since 1994.
Head coach Daren Sammy said the team arrived in Sylhet with the explicit goal of winning both matches. He acknowledged Bangladesh’s home advantage and the threat posed by coach Phil Simmons, but stressed that the preparation and confidence built in Dhaka should allow the visitors to “counteract and come out victorious.”
Series overview and stakes
Sammy reflected on his challenging first year, which included series against Australia, India and New Zealand, and noted that the side has finally settled into a balanced lineup. He highlighted the stability of opening pair Brandon King and John Campbell, the promotion of Shai Hope to the No. 4 slot, and the evolving roles of Justin Greaves and captain Roston Chase as key factors in the team’s recent improvement.
The Sylhet pitch is expected to have more grass than the Mirpur surface, prompting Sammy to keep the squad flexible. Fast bowler Kemar Roach, omitted from the first Test in favour of an extra spinner, is in contention to return if the conditions favour seamers, while the team’s balanced composition remains a hedge against the unknown surface.
Sammy’s tactical adjustments
A victory in Sylhet would not only complete a clean sweep but also provide a “good Christmas present,” improve West Indies’ standing in the World Test Championship, and underscore the players’ commitment amid broader challenges facing Caribbean cricket.
Reader questions
What does West Indies stand to gain by winning the Sylhet Test?
A win would secure a 2‑0 series sweep, ensure the team ends the year without a Test series defeat for the first time in 32 years, and boost its position in the World Test Championship.
Who are the opening batsmen for West Indies in this series?
Brandon King and John Campbell have been identified as the most successful opening pair for West Indies in recent matches.
Why might fast bowler Kemar Roach be added to the playing XI in Sylhet?
Sammy indicated that the Sylhet pitch appears to have more grass, which could aid seam bowling; if conditions warrant, Roach could be recalled after being left out of the first Test.
Source: trinidadexpress.com
