BAN VS WI 2ND TEST

PITCH REPORT - Samuel Badree is near the deck. He mentions that the conditions have improved significantly, and we are now good to go. Mentions that the deck has a nice, even covering of grass, but there is a bit of patchiness at one end. He anticipates some uneven bounce due to this. Badree points out that out of the last 10 Tests played at this venue, only one match has ended in a draw. States that pacers have been dominant at this venue and with both sides having quality pace attacks, it will be a test for the batters.

The skipper of the West Indies, Kraigg Brathwaite, has achieved a remarkable milestone by eclipsing Sir Garfield Sobers for the most consecutive Test appearances (86th Test in a row) for the West Indies. When asked about the achievement, he replies that he wants to inspire as many people as he can to play the sport. Feels that there won't be much moisture but there will be help on offer due to the grass covering. Adds that the new ball will be crucial. Informs that they are going with the same team as the last game.

The captain of Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan says that they will bat first. Feels that this is a good wicket. Informs that they have made two changes with Shadman Islam coming in for Zakir Hasan and Nahid Rana replacing Shoriful Islam. Further adds that it was a tough match last time around but the boys are excited and raring to go back on the field. Concludes by saying that the team have been practising to get used to the conditions and they need to bat for longer periods.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Shadman Islam (In for Zakir Hasan), Shahadat Hossain, Litton Das (WK), Mehidy Hasan (C), Jaker Ali, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana (In for Shoriful Islam).

West Indies (Unchanged Playing XI) - Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Mikyle Louis, Keacy Carty, Kavem Hodge, Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva (WK), Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph.

TOSS - Bangladesh have won the toss and they will BAT first.

UPDATE - 7.04 pm GMT - Great news! The umpires are satisfied with the conditions and have deemed the outfield suitable for play. The TOSS will take place at 7.30 pm GMT, with the first ball set to be bowled at 8 pm GMT. While we do not have official confirmation yet, it looks like we are in for one long session of play. Let’s hope the action makes up for all the wait!

UPDATE - 6.46 pm GMT - Ian Bishop provides a promising update. As the ground staff continue to work diligently on the areas in question, he believes there has been a noticeable improvement. The efforts to address the wet outfield are beginning to show positive results, raising hopes for play to begin soon.

UPDATE - 6.40 pm GMT - We are inching closer to the scheduled inspection. The weather has been favourable so far, with bright blue skies and plenty of sunshine. However, some showers are expected later in the day. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the rain stays away, as it has throughout the day, so the outfield can be ready for play and we can squeeze in as much action as possible. Stay tuned!

UPDATE - 6.05 pm GMT - The match officials have conveyed that there are still areas of concern adjacent to the deck, and as a result, there will be another inspection at 7 pm GMT. Samuel Badree is currently out in the middle providing an update on the conditions. He confirms that the two areas on either side of the strip remain the primary concerns. Adds that the ground staff have been hard at work, applying a substantial amount of sand to these spots to aid in moisture absorption. Samuel also mentions that it is extremely hot, which should help speed up the drying process. He believes that we are getting closer to some action on the field.

UPDATE - 5.53 pm GMT - Nikhil Uttamchandani informs that players have arrived at the venue, with Joshua Da Silva seen taking a stroll around the park. He is observed inspecting the concerning areas near the playing surface, while the fourth umpire is engaged in a conversation with the members of the ground staff. Stick around as the inspection is not far away.

UPDATE - 5.40 pm GMT - In an ideal world, we would have seen the players heading out for the start of the second session by now, but the wet outfield has prevented any play. With the first session washed out, we remain hopeful that the bright sunshine we have had all morning will help dry up the outfield and allow play to begin soon. Remember, the next inspection is scheduled for 6 pm GMT. Fingers crossed for better news then!

As the wait continues at Sabina Park, a familiar figure from the track and field world is present at the venue. None other than Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake is being interviewed by Ian Bishop. Blake shares that he missed the Paris Olympics due to an injury but is currently preparing for the World Athletics Championship scheduled to be held next year in Tokyo. He also reveals that he had always wanted to be a cricketer, with his father particularly loving Test cricket. Blake adds that no matter where he is, he makes sure to follow whichever game is happening across the globe. He also mentions that he is good friends with Rovman Powell, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, and Marlon Samuels.

UPDATE - 4.14 pm GMT - Live visuals show the match officials and ground staff in discussions following the inspection. The areas adjacent to the pitch remain muddy and waterlogged. The fourth umpire is seen conveying his observations to both camps. Samuel Badree informs that another inspection has been scheduled for 6 pm GMT. It is frustrating for everyone involved, as despite the bright sunshine and clear blue skies, the outfield, still wet from rain over the past week, is making it unsuitable for play. With this, LUNCH has been taken!

UPDATE - 4.07 pm GMT - We are past the time of the scheduled inspection, and an official update on its outcome should be coming shortly. Stick around and keep your fingers crossed for a positive update.

Over in Christchurch, thanks to two days of dominance, England find themselves in the ascendancy in the first Test against New Zealand. In reply to New Zealand's 348, the tourists posted a commanding 499, led by a sensational 171 from Harry Brook and valuable contributions from Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes. The batting performance was backed up by the bowlers, who managed to reduce New Zealand to 155/6 by the close of play on Day 3, leaving them with just a 4-run lead. It will take an extraordinary rescue act from Daryl Mitchell and the tail to give the hosts a competitive total to bowl at.

While we wait for the scheduled inspection, let's take a look at what's happening across the globe in this blockbuster Test season. Earlier today, South Africa sealed a commanding victory in the first Test at Durban. After the hosts posted 191 in their first innings, Marco Jansen wreaked havoc with 7 wickets, bowling Sri Lanka out for just 42. The tourists were always on the back foot from there, with centuries from Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs further extending the hosts' dominance. While Sri Lanka showed improved application in their second innings, it was all in vain. The hosts wrapped up a 233-run win, with Jansen taking four more wickets to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets. This victory has lifted South Africa to second place in the World Test Championship standings.

UPDATE - 2.52 pm GMT - Samuel Badree and Sir Courtney Walsh are out in the middle to give us an update on the conditions. Badree mentions that the pitch looks like an absolute picture, with the sun shining in all its glory. However, he adds that the issue lies just a few meters off the surface. Pressing his toes into the outfield, he feels the sogginess, not just in a spot or two, but along the entire length of the deck. Further says that the ground staff are using a garden fork to make holes in the ground for the air and sunlight to sink in and quicken the drying process. Walsh mentions that the drainage at the venue is not an issue, as the outfield has been relaid. However, he points out that maintenance has been a concern.

UPDATE - 2.33 pm GMT - Uh oh, this was unexpected! Despite a bright and sunny morning in Kingston, rain in the days leading up to the game has left areas around the pitch and outfield soggy. The toss, which should have taken place by now, has been DELAYED. The umpires are not satisfied with the conditions and have scheduled an inspection at 4 pm GMT.

Fans can expect another captivating game where the fast bowlers will look to dominate, but batters who show patience and discipline could emerge as the difference-makers. Whether West Indies seal the series or Bangladesh mount a spirited comeback, this promises to be a fascinating encounter. Stick around for the toss and team news.