Weakened West Indies Face 'Multiple' Tests On Bangladesh Tour

Depleted by stars refusing to tour during the coronavirus pandemic, West Indies players will face multiple Covid-19 tests in Bangladesh before they even get close to a five-day match against their hos

Bangladesh is providing some net bowlers and even they will be in their own separate bubble that will also be used to keep ground staff and drivers away from risky contacts.

On top of Holder, Pollard and Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran declined to travel because of coronavirus fears.

And all-rounder Romario Shepherd failed a coronavirus test just before the team's departure meaning uncapped Keon Harding had to be called up at the last minute.

Bangladesh could sense an upset victory against such weakened opponents, but they are still cautious.

"I think this West Indies team is still a very good side," said former skipper and current selector Habibul Bashar.

"Who we are playing against, who is coming, that is not important. What is important is how we play," he added.

"It’s going to be an interesting series for both teams."

After their warmup game against a local side, West Indies take on Bangladesh in two ODIs in Dhaka on January 20 and 22 with the final one-day game in Chittagong on January 25.

The first Test starts February 3 in Dhaka, with the second getting underway on February 11.

All the matches will be played in empty stadiums.

Bangladesh has recorded more than 500,000 pandemic cases but its fatality rate has been one of the world's lowest.

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