A little while after Bangladesh figured out that they could've had Nkrumah Bonner if only they'd thought to appeal, they saw another edge from the same batter go between wicketkeeper and first slip. There was a loud cry, possibly from the bowler, but it could have been from anyone.
After being bowled out for 103 on the previous day, Bangladesh dropped three catches on the first afternoon. On the second morning, the bowlers started creating chances again but a lack of luck, awareness and intent from the fielders ruined all that good work. Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took pretty good catches later in the day to keep West Indies' lead to 162. It could have been lesser had the easier chances been taken earlier in the innings.
All told, Bangladesh dropped five catches and missed a definite nick through to the keeper. Their use of DRS was iffy too. Jermaine Blackwood would have been out lbw for 39 had they opted for a second opinion, but they didn't, and he went on to make 63.
Kraigg Brathwaite, who top scored with 94, survived chances on 0, 16 and 63. This is a batter who has dominated Bangladesh for 11 years. It was careless to give him so many reprieves. Bonner, meanwhile, made only 33 but he added 62 for the third wicket with Brathwaite. He was on 14 when the edge wasn't spotted and on 22, when the ball flew between wicketkeeper and first slip, where Najmul Hossain Shanto stood.
Bangladesh's catching has hurt them in all formats this year. In T20 cricket, they have dropped one-third of all the catches that have gone their way: 84 taken and 39 dropped. The number is similar in Tests where they have dropped 24 out of 69 chances.
This won't be solved until each individual decides to step up. Bangladesh employ Shanto, Yasir Ali (currently injured) and Litton (when he is not keeping wicket) in the slip cordon. But Shanto has dropped five of the 11 chances that have come his way over the last three years. This has added to the criticism of a player who has scored just one fifty in his last 17 Test innings.
It is clear there is a real problem. But any time the subject comes up, the BCB and the team management turn defensive. The fielding coaches probably know what's going on but they're rarely put up in public to explain anything. Bangladesh have turned to several experts in recent times - Ryan Cook came and went. Rajin Saleh was used for one series on a temporary basis. Now it's Shane McDermott - but nothing is making a difference.
