Despite facing a challenging situation heading into the third Test against England, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite remains resolute that his team can end the failed three-match series on a high note.
After being trounced by an innings and 114 runs and 241 runs in the first two Tests, West Indies are determined to not only salvage pride by avoiding a whitewash but also gain valuable ICC Test Championship points in the Edgbaston contest, which starts on Friday.
Brathwaite, known for his composed demeanor and steadfast leadership, emphasized the importance of efficient application from his team in this final contest.
“We have five Tests remaining for the year and there are ICC Test Championship points still at stake. So we have a lot to play for and that's my thing to the boys. You know, we are still in the Test Championship running and, you know, obviously we're looking for points as well,” Brathwaite declared during a pre-game press conference.
“It's very important that we fight. I mean, this is all about fighting, and I think once we continue to create that kind of attitude around this Test team, there will be growth and that's what we're after,” he added.
Reflecting on the first two Tests, Brathwaite pointed to the positives that West Indies had some standout performances, particularly in the first innings of the second encounter in Trent Bridge, but in the same breath, he also highlighted the fact that his team has struggled to find consistency in all departments.
In the first Test at Lord's, the Caribbean side was punished for a slew of dropped chances, while the first innings of the second Test saw Kavem Hodge score a maiden Test century, as Alick Athanaze and Joshua da Silva posted half-centuries in a total of 457. They were then bowled out for 143 in the second innings, against England’s scores of 416 and 425.
“I think all around we haven’t put it (a decent performance) together as yet. Obviously, we batted well at Trent Bridge; we didn’t bat well in the second inning, and we bowled well in pieces. Obviously, drop chances would happen, but I think collectively, as a bowling unit, we didn’t perform as we should. I think once we get that percentage up, we'll be able to create more chances and at least be able to, you know, stop the flow of runs on both sides of the wicket,” Brathwaite reasoned.
In order to achieve that, the Barbadian is well aware that they will have to learn from their mistakes and, by extension, improve significantly.
“It was almost clear to see we had a 50-run opening stand in the second innings, and then from there, we lost ten wickets quite quickly, and we knew we were in the game, so it goes to show, I think we always have to be switched on. Not just for the first three days, because as soon as you lose that focus for an hour, you could be behind the test match and lose it,” Brathwaite said.
“And it could be as a bowling unit or a batting unit, so we should learn from that. Obviously, the lesson is to never take anything for granted and always have the same attitude in both the first and second innings, batting and bowling. Once we keep that attitude of fighting every session, I think that will serve as well,” he noted.
That said, Brathwaite explained that they are still yet to confirm the starting team, as Akeem Jordan was called up to replace Jeremiah Louis, while Gudakesh Motie is fit enough to retake his place in the team at the expense of Kevin Sinclair, who was injured after being hit by a Mark Wood delivery.
“Sinclair is out with a fracture and Motie is back in. But we named a twelve because Shamar Joseph has a bit of a flu, so we are waiting until tomorrow morning to make the decision on the 11,” he shared.