Tigers begin WI tour with first Test today

Bangladesh will be hoping to turn their fortunes in the longest format of the game under the leadership of Shakib Al Hasan when the first Test against the West Indies begins in Antigua today.

The match is scheduled to begin at 8:00pm (BST). However, even just a day before the first Test, it was uncertain whether Bangladeshi fans would be able to watch the matches as no TV channel officially acquired the broadcasting rights for a series that features two Tests -- part of the ICC Test Championship -- three T20Is and three ODIs.

Interestingly, the last time the Bangladeshi viewers were unable to catch the Tigers live due to a lack of interest from sponsors was back in 2003 when Bangladesh played a two-match Test series in Australia.

Aside from the broadcasting issues, Bangladesh, as a Test side, have their own problems to mend as they begin the tough Windies tour on the back of four defeats in their last five Tests and a sudden shift in leadership just ahead of the series.

Following massive criticism for his extended lean patch in Tests, Mominul Haque stepped down from his role as Test captain just days ahead of the Windies tour, leading to Shakib's being reappointed for his third stint as Test skipper.

Moreover, with Mushfiqur Rahim opting out of the series to perform Hajj and the recent injury forcing middle-order batter Yasir Ali out of the Test series, it is certain that a stern test lies ahead for the Bangladesh top-order that has suffered horrible meltdowns in both innings during their recent Test series against at home against Sri Lanka.

Results of their latest visit in the Caribbean also do not bode well for the Tigers. They were thumped 2-0 -- with heavy defeats on both occasions -- in 2018 under the leadership of Shakib.

As things stand, Bangladesh will have their work cut out against a strong Windies side, buoyed by their recent Test series victory over England in March this year.