Simmons hoping to exploit Bangladesh’s lack of cricket

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons is hoping that his side can catch the Bangladesh team cold when the two sides meet in the first Test in Chattogram.

The current series will be the West Indies' third biosecure tour, having gone to England and New Zealand last year. On the other hand, hosts Bangladesh has not had any cricket for over a year, and Simmons says he is hoping his side can take advantage of the lack of cricket from his opponents.

"I think the little bit of vulnerability could be early in the Test. They haven't played Test cricket for a year now, and getting back might be a bit of vulnerability early on. I am sure that will soon be taken care of. They have a fairly experienced team, with the likes of Tamim and Shakib. The vulnerability might not last too long but if it does happen, we have to seize the opportunity," he said.

The West Indies will be looking to turn around their fortunes in Bangladesh, where they have not won a Test series since the 2012-2013 season, when Darren Sammy and his troops came away 2-0 winners.

The last time the West Indies visited Bangladesh in 2018-2019, they lost the series 2-0, and Simmons know all too well that the host will be difficult to topple this time around.

Have the edge

"I think Bangladesh will always have the edge no matter who they are playing at home, even though they haven't played cricket for a year. They are a very strong side when they play at home.

"You can have a lack of international cricket, but you will be training properly. It takes away the rust, which is only a mental thing. It will go away after the first couple of hours of the first day."

The West Indies are expected to field two spinners in their line-up for the contest with Rahkeem Cornwall and Jomel Warrican the front runners for the slow-bowling slot.

The composition of the final 11 will be determined after Simmons has a look at the pitch.