DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC):
For the first time in three decades, the West Indies have a chance to end the year unbeaten in a Test series, and they will be going “all out” to ensure they finish on a high with victory over Bangladesh.
That is according to head coach Daren Sammy, who said the team is entering the two-Test series buoyed by its impressive performances on the recently concluded white-ball tour of India.
“The message to the guys is to give it your all. It’s 10 possible days of Test cricket left in this cycle for us and just go out there and give it your all. You know, whatever motivates you, use that to go out there and get performances,” said Sammy.
The last time the West Indies completed a calendar year without losing a Test series was in 1994.
In their two Test series so far in 2026, the regional side defeated Sri Lanka 1-0 in a two-match home series before drawing 1-1 with Pakistan, also at home.
Speaking after the team’s final training session ahead of tomorrow’s opening Test, Sammy said the players were in high spirits.
“The expectations are always there. The way we’ve played Test cricket this year; we’ve not lost a series and it’s a long time since we’ve gone through a year without losing a series and it’s our last series of the World Test Championship.
“…We know Bangladesh has been playing some really good cricket, but so have we been playing some good cricket this year as well … . These next two Test matches present us with a great opportunity to finish the Test Championship with the goal we started in 2025, so we’re looking forward to the series.”
The West Indies will be without inspirational wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope, who has been rested for the series.
Hope was in phenomenal form during the tour of India, scoring two centuries in the three-match ODI series and two more hundreds in the five-match T20I series.
While he averages just 24.52 in Test cricket overall, he has averaged 45.26 since October 2025.
Sammy acknowledged that Hope’s absence was a significant loss, but maintained that the team was not dependent on any one player to win matches.
“…Shai Hope, we’ve seen what he’s done and he’s played all formats and he has been excellent for us, but so too has Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, John Campbell, Brandon King, Jomel Warrican, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales, so we don’t rely on one person.
“We miss Shai Hope, but it’s an opportunity for somebody else to step up and make a name for themselves,” Sammy said.
