West Indies looking to end 2024 on a winning note

West Indies head coach Andre Coley on Wednesday said that they need to shrug off the disappointing home test series against South Africa and look ahead to concluding the year on a winning note as they face Bangladesh in the two-match Test series, slated to commence in Antigua from November 22. 

Despite being a part of the World Test Series, the meeting hardly holds much meaning to both the outfits as presently Bangladesh and West are eighth and ninth on the World Test Series standings respectively, with a point percentage of 27.50 and 18.52. However, the hosts will be raring to close the year on a high with a win. It's a year where their only Test success remains in the 1-1 drawn series against the Aussies. 

West Indies lost momentum after the series against Australia as they registered three successive losses to England but came up with a much-improved show against the Proteas as they mustered to draw the series opener while losing the next test by 40 runs, which as per Coley is a big disappointment. 

"Very important (to end the year on a winning note) because coming out of it disappointment all around South Africa series," Coley said ahead of the series opener against Bangladesh. "Previously, the first three or four days were hampered by rain and we have since been able to have a couple of good sessions on the ground here in Antigua and everybody is in good spirits and fit and available," he said.

"We need to come out with a winning result on home soil before we head off to (Pakistan)... this is the final four Test matches in this edition of the World Test Championship we need to do well here to win the series and get a momentum heading into Pakistan.

West Indies speedster Alzarri Joseph, who was rested for the SA series to manage his workload, is back in the squad for the two-test series against Bangladesh at home. However, WI will be without the services of ace all-rounder Jason Holder in the series as his rehabilitation from shoulder injury continues. 

“Each player has an opportunity. We have players here who have played against Bangladesh home and away and were successful and won those series. You know players are familiar with each other and we also have some new players who have not played any of those series," said Corey.

"It's an opportunity for senior players and emerging players you know to show we are capable of as a team and we continue to build and put everything together on the back of last year and year and half and as you said look to close on the year in really good form."

The second test will be played on November 30 in Jamaica.