West Indies Captain Kraigg Brathwaite says he’s pleased with the team’s preparation ahead of the first Test against Australia set to begin on Tuesday in Adelaide.
The tourists played to a draw in their lone three-day warm-up game against a Cricket Australia XI on Friday.
“We as a team are very pleased. The facilities here are outstanding and the boys made good use of it,” the skipper said in an interview after Friday’s final day.
The team had some excellent individual performances throughout the three days including Brathwaite himself getting 52 in the first innings.
He didn’t bat in the second, however, giving the opportunity to wicket-keeper Joshua Da Silva to get some time out in the middle at the top of the order. Da Silva grabbed it with both hands, producing a well-composed 105.
“Felt good. It was important for Joshua to get some batting in the second innings so it was a very good game for us,” Brathwaite said.
Brathwaite also singled out the performances of Justin Greaves and Kavem Hodge in the game. Greaves had scores of 65 and 41* and took two wickets in the match while Hodge had scores of 52 and 99.
“He’s a quality cricketer. I’m not surprised by what he did and I look forward to his future in West Indies cricket,” he said of Greaves.
“Very pleased with the hunger he showed to come again in the second innings and do it. That’s what we want in this team,” Brathwaite said about Hodge.
The team has been in Australia since late December, something Brathwaite believes has helped them to better acclimatize to the conditions.
“I think it’s very good. We would have flown a number of hours to get here so I think initially getting here and getting accustomed to the time zone and getting over jet lag was quite important,” he said.
“Having the time, as well, to practice here in Adelaide and get accustomed to the pitches and stuff was great for us,” he added.
“Quite clear,” was Brathwaite’s response to questions about the XI for the first Test.
“Very happy with how all the guys went about this camp and this game and, obviously, it’s time next week to make the West Indies proud,” he said.