West Indies batsman Darren Bravo has expressed frustration over persistent rain that has denied the Caribbean side match practice ahead of the opening Test against England.
A three-day practice match against Sussex ended in a no-result yesterday after the weather again wiped out a significant part of the day.
A combination of rain and bad light restricted the match to only 34 overs from which West Indies scored 90 for three at the PROBIZ County Ground, Hove.
“It is a bit frustrating,” Bravo said. “The guys wanted to get out there and get acclimatized to the conditions as much as possible.
“We have a Test starting in ten days’ time and it is very important that we get as much match practice as possible . . . but we can do nothing about this.”
After Saturday’s washout, the second day was limited to 18 overs and a further 16 overs were delivered on the final day.
Bravo made an unbeaten 19 on a day in which the lone West Indies batsman dismissed was opener Kieran Powell, who fell for 35 after resuming on 19.
The left-handed Bravo played for English county side Nottinghamshire last year, but he said the weather was less kind now and every opportunity was needed to get accustomed to the playing conditions.
“It is a bit colder than when I came to play for Notts, but it is important to adjust to the conditions, and try and perform to the best of my ability,” he said.
“I think it’s important to understand your game and know what are your strengths and weaknesses.
“[The shots I played] I was able to execute properly, but nothing beats spending time in the middle.”
Bravo is likely to be one of several players to grace Lord’s for the first time in a Test, when West Indies face England in the first Test at the famous ground, starting on May 17.
Only Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards and Denesh Ramdin have played a Test at the ground previously, although several others have made appearances in other forms of the game.
“It would be a great feeling to play a Test at Lord’s,” Bravo said. “It’s the ‘spiritual’ home of the game, as we all know, so playing there at this very young age will be something special and I am looking forward to it. My father will also be there and this will make it an extra-special occasion.
“We are all looking forward to the first Test at Lord’s and I am sure everyone will be looking to give a good account of themselves.” (HG)
