Pooran says West Indies ready for Bangladesh ODI challenge today at Providence

– Rain cancels West Indies’ training session on eve of first ODI

By Brandon Corlette

West Indies players did not get to engage in practice at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence on the eve of the first ODI, because there was a deluge of rain on the East Bank of Demerara on Saturday.

The men in maroon have defeated Bangladesh in the Test and T20I series, and will be aiming to record similar performances in the ODI format. West Indies have had their issues in batting 50 overs, but Captain Nicholas Pooran has said the batsmen are up for the challenge.
“We are growing in confidence. We just came from Pakistan and Netherlands. We felt like we moved forward as a team. We are looking forward to this ODI Series as a team again, to correct our mistakes, learn as fast as possible. Bangladesh is a good ODI team, and we know we are going to be up for a challenge, and we are up for it,” Pooran explained.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal has said they are aiming to end their tour of West Indies on a high in this three-match ODI Series.
“We all know losing is not fun, and we want to finish this series on a high for sure, and everybody is looking forward to it,” Tamim said. “Look, when you are not winning matches during a series, it is always difficult, but we have to remember this is one format we are very proud of, and we are a very good team, and there is no doubt about it.
“But no matter how well we play, on the day, we have to tick all the boxes, and that is the most important thing. So far, we could not play good cricket in Tests and T20Is, but I hope we will start well on the 10th, and let’s see; because this is one format I feel we are comfortable. (I am) saying that the other team is also playing really well, and we have to make sure that we bring our A game.”
The Bangladesh skipper added: “We definitely tried our best (in Tests and T20Is), but it is also true that we could not play our best cricket. My message will be that, in the ODIs, we have to try our best, and no matter what I say, we have to bring our A game to the field; and that is the most important thing.
“I don’t think I have to go and inspire everyone individually, because they all are playing for the country and nothing can be more motivating than this. (I am) saying that if I have to talk individually (to motivate someone), that I will definitely do,” he said.
Apart from this first ODI, West Indies and Bangladesh are scheduled to play on July 13 and 16 respectively.
West Indies (Probable XI): 1 Shai Hope (wk), 2 Kyle Mayers, 3 Shamarh Brooks, 4 Keacy Carty, 5 Nicholas Pooran (capt), 6 Rovman Powell, 7 Akeal Hosein, 8 Alzarri Joseph, 9 Romario Shepherd, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Jayden Seales
Bangladesh (Probable XI): 1 Tamim Iqbal (capt), 2 Litton Das, 3 Anamul Haque, 4 Mahmudullah, 5 Afif Hossain, 6 Nurul Hasan (wk), 7 Mosaddek Hossain, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Shoriful Islam, 11 Mustafizur Rahman.