Samuels ton helps Windies edge towards Bangladesh total

KHULNA, Bangladesh,  (Reuters) – Marlon Samuels struck his fifth test century to move the West Indies towards Bangladesh’s first innings total at the close of the second day’s play in the second test today.

Samuels (109 not out) and Darren Bravo, unbeaten on 85, added 198 runs for the second wicket as the tourists closed on 241 for two wickets to trail Bangladesh by 146 runs.

The West Indies had earlier lost openers Kieran Powell (13) to pace bowler Rubel Hossain when the left-hander gave a catch to Shakib Al Hasan at deep square leg then Chris Gayle (25) was quickly removed by off-spinner Sohag Gazi.

Wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim smartly caught Gayle when he tried to sweep Gazi but he could only manage an inside edge to leave the West Indies 43-2.

However Samuels and Bravo kept Bangladesh at bay in the remaining hours, batting with ease on a pitch which did not offer any significant turn to the local spinners.

Samuels, quiet in the tourists’ first test win in Dhaka, completed his century with a four off Shakib then raised his bat to acknowledge his teammates’ applause.