DESPITE trailing by 211 runs West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves remains optimistic about his team’s chances, citing a spirited fightback with the ball on day three as a turning point.

The West Indies had a tough day with the bat, being bowled out for a mere 146 (65 overs) in their first innings in response to Bangladesh’s first innings of 164, but they bounced back strongly with the ball. Bangladesh, who had gained a slender, 18-run lead in the first innings, were then restricted to 193-5 at stumps on the third day of the Test match at Sabina Park on Monday, thanks to some tight bowling by the West Indies.

Shadman Islam top-scored for Bangladesh with 46 runs (82 balls), with Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz getting 42 runs (39 balls). Jaker Ali (29 runs/49 balls) and Tajiul Islam (9 runs/22 balls) are the not out batsmen for Bangladesh at the crease.

For the West Indies, Shamar Joseph was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets from 10 overs that cost 70 runs. Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Greaves got one wicket each.

“We’re pretty much in the balance,” Greaves said, highlighting the team’s resilience despite a disappointing batting display.

Greaves was pleased with the team’s effort with the ball, saying, “I liked how the guys came out and fought in the second innings with the ball.” He also acknowledged that the pitch was still good for batting, but expressed confidence that the West Indies could still make a game of it.

“We want to keep them around 250 or 275, the most. It’s a pretty good batting pitch; the ball didn’t misbehave a lot, and once our batters get in I think we will do well.

With Bangladesh still holding a significant lead, the West Indies will need to produce a strong batting performance on the fourth day to stay in the game. However, Greaves’ positive outlook and the team’s fighting spirit on day three suggest they are still very much in contention.

The West Indies’ overnight lead of 70-1 quickly turned into a batting collapse as they lost their last nine wickets for a mere 76 runs. This dramatic turn of events resulted in the West Indies being bowled out for 146, giving Bangladesh a slim 18-run, first-innings lead.

This unexpected twist is only the second time Bangladesh has managed to secure a first-innings lead, after scoring less than 200 runs. The previous instance was in 2008 when they scored 192 against South Africa, resulting in a 22-run lead.

Keary Carty was the top scorer for the West Indies, contributing a patient 40 runs from 115 balls with just one boundary. Captain Kraigg Brathwaite also played a solid innings, scoring 39 runs from 129 balls, including three boundaries.

Brathwaite was the first to fall on the day, departing at 85-2 in 42.3 overs. However, it was the loss of Carty at 117-7 that marked the beginning of the end for the West Indies.

The chief destroyer for Bangladesh was Nahid Rana who claimed five wickets from 18 overs, conceding 61 runs. Rana’s impressive bowling display was instrumental in Bangladesh’s ability to restrict the West Indies and secure a narrow lead.