Ahead of West Indies’ fight to stay alive in the series against Bangladesh, Akeal Hosein is set to bolster their spin attack.
Two pacers have been ruled out due to injury, but instead of replacing them with more fast bowlers, West Indies have added a spinner alongside a pacer. After the first ODI, this move comes as no surprise — Mirpur is a spinner’s paradise.
Shamar Joseph and Zediah Blades have been ruled out of the series due to injuries. Akeal Hosein and Ramon Symonds have been drafted in to replace them as West Indies look to strengthen their side before the crucial matches against Bangladesh.
Blades’ injury is serious. The left-arm pacer has a lower back stress fracture and will not only miss this tour but is also unlikely to feature in the upcoming New Zealand tour. He will undergo rehabilitation after returning home.
Joseph, who had recently recovered from injury, experienced discomfort in his shoulder during a practice session in Mirpur last Friday. Following scans, he has been advised to consult a specialist in England.
Akeal Hosein and Symonds were already part of the T20 squad for the Bangladesh tour, and now they have earned a place in the ODI squad as well.
Spin remains a key weapon for West Indies in the shorter formats, and 32-year-old left-arm spinner Akeal, who has played 38 ODIs (last in July 2023), brings experience to the lineup.
Symonds, 24, impressed in the recent CPL and also played two T20Is against Nepal, taking four wickets in one match. This is his first call-up to the ODI squad.
Bangladesh leads the series 1-0 after a 74-run victory in the first ODI. The second match will take place on Tuesday.
