Windies win good for Test cricket, says ICC president

DHAKA, Bangladesh,  CMC – International Cricket Council president, Alan Isaac has described West Indies’ victory over Bangladesh in the just concluded first Test as a great advert for the game.

Isaac, who took over the post last June, arrived in Bangladesh for two days of meetings with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but took in the last day’s play at Shere Bangla Stadium.

West Indies came from behind to win by 77 runs after the hosts had been set 245 for victory.

“The trip gave me not only a chance to meet the new Bangladesh Cricket Board President Nazmul Hassan and new ICC Vice President AHM Mustafa Kamal but also to see Test cricket at its most exciting,” he said.

“If there was ever a match which encapsulated the enduring appeal of Test cricket and its unique narrative, it was this clash between Bangladesh and the West Indies.”

Led by 29 runs on first innings, West Indies were dismissed for 273 in their second innings, setting Bangladesh a modest victory target.

However, fast bowler Tino Best bagged five for 24 in a devastating spell to propel the visitors to a convincing win and a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

Isaac, who replaced India’s Sharad Pawar as ICC President, met officials here to discuss plans for the 2014 Twenty20 World Cup scheduled to be held here.

“It was enlightening to see the outstanding academy facilities as well as hear the ambitious plans for future developments in Bangladesh, the hosts of the ICC World Twenty20 in 2014,” he said.