Jangoo, Wickham lead West Indies fightback after top-order collapse in Sylhet
Key Points(5)
- Jangoo was unbeaten on 111, his second Test century, with Justin Greaves providing valuable support on 35 not out as the visitors reached 235 for four at the close.
- The recovery was particularly impressive given that West Indies were forced into two late changes before the start of play, then watched their top order crumble under an aggressive opening spell from Bangladesh's fast bowlers.
- Illness forces last-minute reshuffle The tourists suffered a significant setback before the first ball when opening batter John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul were ruled out after being struck down by fever.
- Joshua Da Silva and Wickham were drafted into the lineup, with the latter handed his Test debut.
- Wickham revealed that he had received an advance warning from head coach Daren Sammy to remain prepared, given concerns about the fitness of several players.
Amir Jangoo produced another commanding Test innings, while debutant Kevin Wickham announced his arrival on the international stage with a maiden half-century, as West Indies recovered from a disastrous start to finish the opening day of the second ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 Test against Bangladesh in a promising position in Sylhet.
Jangoo was unbeaten on 111, his second Test century, with Justin Greaves providing valuable support on 35 not out as the visitors reached 235 for four at the close.
The recovery was particularly impressive given that West Indies were forced into two late changes before the start of play, then watched their top order crumble under an aggressive opening spell from Bangladesh's fast bowlers.
Illness forces last-minute reshuffle
The tourists suffered a significant setback before the first ball when opening batter John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul were ruled out after being struck down by fever.
Joshua Da Silva and Wickham were drafted into the lineup, with the latter handed his Test debut.
Wickham revealed that he had received an advance warning from head coach Daren Sammy to remain prepared, given concerns about the fitness of several players.
"The coach [Daren Sammy] actually told me to stay ready because a few guys weren't feeling well last night," Wickham said during the post-match press conference.
"So, basically it was just about getting set and ready for my mind, just in case the opportunity presents itself.
"This morning when I came to the ground, I was sitting in the dressing room and coach came to me and told me congratulations, I'd be making my debut."
Bangladesh quicks expose West Indies' early vulnerability
Da Silva was pushed into the opening position alongside Brandon King in Campbell's absence, but the makeshift arrangement struggled against the pace and accuracy of Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud.
King departed for nine, Da Silva managed 12, and Kavem Hodge, promoted to No. 3, contributed just one as West Indies quickly slipped into trouble.
With the top order dismantled, the responsibility shifted to Wickham and Jangoo to prevent the innings from unravelling.
The pair responded with a determined fourth-wicket partnership that changed the complexion of the contest, combining patience with positive strokeplay to frustrate Bangladesh's attack.
Jangoo's experience provides perfect platform for debutant
Jangoo was the dominant figure in the recovery, but Wickham demonstrated impressive composure and maturity in his first appearance at Test level.
The two added 131 runs for the fourth wicket, with Jangoo's fluent scoring allowing the debutant to settle and play his natural game.
Wickham eventually fell for an encouraging 61 when Hasan broke the partnership, but his contribution had already provided West Indies with the foundation they desperately needed.
The young batter was particularly impressed by the influence of his more experienced partner.
"I think Jangoo is a very good asset to the team, and we know once Jangoo gets going, he goes very big. So, I think Jangoo is an amazing talent and once he continues to play the way he is right now, I don't see much stopping him.
"It was easy for me to just bat and bat around him because he was scoring quite freely from the get-go. I think he did that very well."
Second century puts West Indies in command
Having guided the recovery, Jangoo continued to impose himself on the Bangladesh bowling attack, reaching his second Test hundred and carrying his bat through to stumps.
His unbeaten 111, alongside Greaves' composed 35 not out, lifted West Indies to 235 for four, giving the visitors a realistic opportunity to build a substantial first-innings total.
With Test captain Roston Chase and the remaining lower-order batters still to come, West Indies will be looking to push beyond the 300-run mark and put Bangladesh under pressure.
The visitors also have reason to be encouraged about their prospects with the ball.
Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph offer pace and the ability to exploit any assistance from the surface, while the spin contingent, spearheaded by Jomel Warrican, has already demonstrated its potential to trouble Bangladesh in familiar home conditions.
After losing three early wickets, West Indies will therefore be satisfied with the position they have created, largely through Jangoo's outstanding innings and an encouraging debut contribution from Wickham.
