Antigua 'unpleasant' field is also a nightmare for Bangladesh

At one time the Test in Antigua meant playing at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG). Viv Richards, the son of Antigua, scored a great century against England in his first match at ARG in 1970-71. International cricket was a different kind of inspiration at this venue. Calypso's melody echoes in the minds of cricket fans. The game was a joyous occasion for Antigua cricket fans.

But that day is no more. The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is named after one of Antigua's most popular athletes. International cricket has been removed there. The Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, built in 2006, did not gain as much popularity among the people of Antigua as the ARG. The biggest reason for this is the distance to the venue. Leaving the nearby ARG and going to the stadium built in the name of their favorite Viv of the people of Antigua shows great reluctance to play.

The West Indies-Bangladesh first Test will start tomorrow at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. A venue such as Antigua could not be a favorite venue for cricket enjoyment; In the same way, this field cannot be called a foothold for the Bangladesh cricket team.

This is the ground where Bangladesh played the first Test in the 2016 tour. In the first innings of that match, the visitors were bowled out for 43 runs, which is the lowest team score in the history of Tests in Bangladesh. Unable to score more than 144 in the second innings, they lost to the Caribbean by an innings. It is not possible to say that Shakib, Tamim and Liton will not be chased by the painful memories of four years ago when they return to this field anew. However, there is talk of whether the cricketers will play with history in mind.

Vivian Richards Stadium has been stormed several times since its inception. There were always questions about the wickets and outfield in this field. It was rebuilt during Australia's 2006 tour of the West Indies. But what is more, a Test bowlers' run-up position against England in 2009 was declared abandoned after 10 overs due to dangerous conditions. The field, named after Viv Richards, Antigua's most beloved athlete, has never accurately evaluated the name of a legend!

A total of 11 tests have been conducted in this field since its establishment. The 12th Test match between Bangladesh and West Indies will be played tomorrow. The West Indies have won three of the 11 Tests at the Vivian Richards Stadium. India got the second highest 2 wins. And it has already been said that the memory of Bangladesh in this field is miserable.

In Bangladesh's 43-run innings in the Antigua Test in 2016, the highest 25 runs came from the bat of Liton Das. Bangladesh lost by an innings and 219 runs. Bangladesh took the field under the leadership of Shakib.

Some records from the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua:

Highest team collection: India 56/7 (Decla.), 2016-17

Minimum team collection: Bangladesh 43 all out, 2018-19

Highest individual innings: Virat Kohli 200,2017-18

Best Bowling: Ravichandran Ashwin 6/63, 2016-17

Best Bowling of the Match: Ishant Sharma 6/84, 2016-17