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• Quick bowling and aggressive batting put Bangladesh in control over West Indies at stumps on day three

  The pace bowling of young Nahid Rana as well as some brave, aggressive batting have put Bangladesh in a strong position at stumps on day three of the second Test against the West Indies at Sabina Park on Monday.

  Sunny skies greeted the West Indian batsmen and Bangladeshi fielders on Monday as the hosts carried on their first innings from their overnight 70-1 off 37 overs, replying to Bangladesh’s 164 all out off 71.5 overs on day two.

  Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty were the batsmen at the crease on 33 and 19, respectively, looking to kick on to put the West Indies in position to get a big lead on the tourists.

  The pair put on a further 15 runs in five overs and three balls before Brathwaite became Rana’s first victim of the day and second of the innings for a 129-ball 39.

  Fifteen balls later, Rana, who bowled at speeds north of 145 pm/h consistently throughout the West Indies innings, struck once again, this time getting Kavem Hodge to edge a ball through to wicket-keeper Litton Das for just three leaving the West Indies 94-3.

  It was then time for Taskin Ahmed to get into the action, knocking over Alick Athanaze for just two with one ball left in the 48^th over to leave the hosts 100-4.

  

  Centurion from the first Test, Justin Greaves, was next to the crease hoping for a repeat of his exploits in the first innings of the first Test in Antigua last week.

  Sadly for the West Indian supporters, that wasn’t the case, however, as Greaves played around a straight ball from Taijul Islam to be dismissed for the same score as Athanaze, leaving the West Indies 105-5 in the 51^st over.

  Joshua Da Silva’s poor run of form with the bat continued as he was next to go for just five in the 54^th over with the wickets of Carty (40), Alzarri Joseph (7), and Shamar Joseph (6) falling soon after to leave the West Indies 136-9 in the 64^th over.

  It was then Rana’s chance to complete a maiden Test five-wicket haul bowling to elder statesman Kemar Roach.

  After hitting him on the shoulder a couple times, leaving him unable to take up his usual role of bowling the new ball for the hosts, Rana got Roach trapped in front with a full, straight one to complete his milestone, finishing with 5-61 off 18 overs.

  Hasan Mahmud took 2-19 off 11 overs in support of the speedster from Chapai Nawabgonj.

  Leading by 18, Bangladesh second innings got off to the worst possible start when Jayden Seales dismissed Mahmudul Hasan Joy for a duck in the first over.

  First innings half-centurion Shadman Islam and Shahadat Hossain attempted a repair job, putting on 47 for the second wicket before the latter went for a 26-ball 28, going for one big shot too many and ending up caught at mid off by Seales off the bowling of Alzarri Joseph.

  

  The next partnership was the one that really had the West Indies nervous as Islam and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz put on 70 in just 11.5 overs for the third wicket.

  That partnership ended when Shamar Joseph had Islam caught behind, four runs short of his second fifty of the contest while Miraz went soon after, also caught behind off Joseph for 42 off 39 balls to leave Bangladesh 132-4 in the 26^th over.

  

  Litton Das and Jaker Ali then provided some more valuable runs for the tourists, putting on 41 in 8.5 overs before Justin Greaves removed Das with a brilliant off cutter for 25 off 34 balls.

  Ali (29*) and Taijul Islam (9*) were the batsmen at the crease at stumps as Bangladesh reached 193-5 off 41.4 overs, leading by 211 runs.

  Full Scores:

  Bangladesh 164 off 71.5 overs (Shadman Islam 64, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 36, Jayden Seales 4-5, Shamar Joseph 3-49, Kemar Roach 2-45) & 193-5 off 41.4 overs (Shadman Islam 46, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 42, Shamar Joseph 2-70)

  West Indies 146 off 65 overs (Keacy Carty 40, Kraigg Brathwaite 39, Nahid Rana 5-61, Hasan Mahmud 2-19).

   

• "‘Give me time, and I’ll do magic’: Coach John Smith’s bold vision for Briana Williams’ sprinting legacy

  Veteran sprint coach John Smith has expressed confidence that, with time, he can help Briana Williams evolve into one of Jamaica’s greatest female sprinters. Williams joined Smith’s camp in California in March, following two challenging years in Jamaica where she struggled to make significant progress in her sprinting career.

  Smith, who has worked with some of the sport’s biggest names, acknowledged that the journey to unlocking Williams’ full potential would take patience and perseverance. “I’m not a magician, but give me some time, and I do do magic,” Smith said, emphasizing the long-term nature of their partnership.

  Williams’ decision to join Smith’s group, which includes elite athletes such as Marie-Josée Ta Lou, was not taken lightly. Initially hesitant about the move from her Florida base to the West Coast, Williams ultimately decided to make the leap, citing Smith’s proven track record and the opportunity to learn from a new coaching philosophy. Smith himself believes that their collaboration has the potential to be transformative.

  “She has the basis to become one of the most formidable Jamaican sprinters of all time,” Smith said, highlighting her natural speed, work ethic, and openness to new techniques. However, he stressed the importance of a holistic approach to her development. “It’s about sharpening the tools—mind, body, and soul. The tools need to be kept sharp and in harmony, and from there, it’s in God’s hands.”

  

  The adjustment period has been challenging but productive, as the Olympic gold medalist works to embrace Smith’s philosophy of rhythm, patience, and fitness. Smith noted that adapting to a new system requires not just physical adjustments but also mental recalibration. “It’s not about unlearning what she’s done before but adding to it. You don’t throw the stew out; you add to the stew.”

  One of the key areas Smith is addressing is Williams’ mindset in the latter stages of races. Williams has previously expressed concerns about feeling pressure from competitors in the final 30 metres, a hurdle Smith is confident they can overcome. “Fear stops you from buying into the final analysis,” Smith explained. “We’re working on manifesting a perfect finish, so she can run free to win, rather than running for a time.”

  Smith has been encouraged by Williams’ progress and her eagerness to learn. He remains focused on the process rather than setting specific time goals, emphasizing that success will come as she continues to refine her technique and build confidence.

  

  Looking ahead, Smith envisions Williams becoming a dominant force on the global stage, provided she stays committed to the journey. “Times will come, but first, she has to learn how to shift gears and feel her race. If we can piece everything together, she’ll be one of Jamaica’s best.”

  As Williams adjusts to her new environment and coaching philosophy, she remains a promising talent poised to add to Jamaica’s storied sprinting legacy. With Smith’s guidance, she could become a cornerstone of the nation’s track and field success in the years to come.

   

• Julien Alfred misses out on World Athletics Track Athlete of the Year as McLaughlin-Levrone takes top honour

  St. Lucia’s sprint sensation Julien Alfred missed out on the prestigious World Athletics Female Track Athlete of the Year award, as Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone claimed the title during the 2024 World Athletics Awards in Monaco. The event celebrated the year's finest performances across multiple categories, culminating in the crowning of Sifan Hassan and Letsile Tebogo as the overall World Athletes of the Year.

  Alfred, who enjoyed a breakthrough year highlighted by her dominance on the track and consistent record-breaking performances, was among the standout nominees in the women’s track category. However, the honor went to McLaughlin-Levrone, who set two world records in the 400m hurdles—clocking 50.65 and 50.37—while claiming double gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the hurdles and the 4x400m relay.

  The awards ceremony was a celebration of excellence, with McLaughlin-Levrone joining an elite roster of winners that included Hassan, who won three medals at the Paris Olympics, including marathon gold in an Olympic record of 2:22:55. Tebogo made history as the first athlete from Botswana to win Olympic gold, taking the 200m title in a blistering African record of 19.46.

  Field athletes Mondo Duplantis and Yaroslava Mahuchikh were also honored, having set new world records in the pole vault and high jump, respectively, while marathon champions Tamirat Tola and Hassan took the out-of-stadium awards. Rising Stars Sembo Almayew of Ethiopia and Mattia Furlani of Italy were celebrated for their promising performances.

  Although Alfred did not clinch the track award, her achievements in 2024, including multiple podium finishes and record times, solidify her status as one of the sport's rising stars. Her remarkable consistency and ability to shine on the world stage have made her a source of pride for St. Lucia and the Caribbean. Fans and analysts alike anticipate her continued growth and potential to claim top honors in future seasons.

  The night served as a reminder of the incredible talent across athletics, with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe praising all the nominees and winners for "redefining what is possible in terms of athletic performance." As the sport looks ahead to another exciting year, athletes like Julien Alfred remain key figures in shaping its future.