SHIMAGO – Kraigg Brathwaite top scored in the magnificent victory by the West Indies “A” team in the first unofficial Test match against India “A” and now the opener is looking to push on in the upcoming second four-day first class match.
The slim right-hander played two vital knocks as the West Indies outplayed the home side at the Gangothri Glades Cricket Grounds in Mysore. He made 92 – the highest score of the match – in the first innings of 429. He added 172 for the second wicket with skipper Kirk Edwards (91). In his second knock, Brathwaite made 34 in an opening stand of 112 with left-hander Kieran Powell (68).
“I felt I played well,” Brathwaite said. “I felt I contributed to the team’s win. We played well as a team, and in the end, we were totally satisfied with the outcome.
“It wasn’t easy at first because the [ball] wasn’t coming on. You had to work really hard to get in and then things became a lot easier . . . but you always had to keep playing straight because the pitch tended to keep a little low at times.”
After the win in Mysore, the Windies drove to Shimago and have started preparations for the second encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru National College of Engineering Ground.
Brathwaite said he was pleased with the work in the nets yesterday.
“It’s a good facility. There was some grass on the pitch where we had our nets. It was overcast and the ball was doing a bit, and that was the kind of preparation that can help going into such a major match. It helps to keep your eyes open and focussed on what is to come in the match.”
Overall, Brathwaite said his aim was to use the series as a chance to impress the selection panel and work his way back into the West Indies senior team.
“I had the benefit of playing Test cricket here back in 2011, so when I came, I knew what to expect. I knew the type of surfaces are normally really good to bat on first days. The key is to play straight and not let the spinners bog you down; be positive,” said the 20-year-old, who has nine Tests behind his name.
“I believe this tour is a good opportunity to get some major scores and look to get back to the top. We always anticipated this series would be a very competitive one and once I get some big scores it will help me get back. I’m mainly concentrating on scoring runs and everything will take care of itself.” (PR)
