WEST INDIES’ ONE-DAY cricket captain Dwayne Bravo has expressed disappointment with his omission from the regional Test team since December, 2010.
“To be honest, I was very disappointed that I was not able to make the Test squad within that time,” the 30-year-old Bravo said in an interview with the United Insurance Line and Length Network.
Bravo said his record of 2 200 runs at an average of 31.42 and 86 wickets at 39.83 in the 40 Tests he has played should’ve merited a place in the side, which has been captained by Darren Sammy during that period.
“In the little time I’ve played Test cricket, I think I’ve done good enough to still at least be part of West Indies’ Test attack.
“From the selectors down to the coach as well, every day I see them, I abuse them,” Bravo joked. “I keep asking what it is I have to do again to be selected. Obviously, they can’t really give a proper answer so it always finishes off with a small laugh. Nothing really serious comes out of it.”
Bravo is currently in London undergoing rehabilitation after injuring his shoulder while fielding in Chennai Super Kings’ first match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
While he will take no further part in the IPL, Bravo said he was optimistic he could be recalled for the three-Test home series against New Zealand starting June 8 at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
He said that the “hunger is always there” and that he had always showed a desire to continue playing Test cricket despite his many T20 obligations globally in the past couple of years.
Bravo said it was stressful watching from the side lines and seeing the West Indies’ meek surrender in Test matches.
“Losing Test matches within three days is something no Test nation would really like to see,” Bravo said. “As a West Indian player to see that happening and know that I’m not able to actually contribute or be a part of it is really disheartening,” he lamented.
However, he reckons that with home advantage, the Windies should again defeat New Zealand as they did the last occasion the Kiwis toured the Caribbean.
“I think we will be a very difficult team to beat at home if we get the right combination and right players selected,” Bravo said.
Bravo even went as far as to suggest that a double spin attack with either lanky left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn or the returning off-spinner Shane Shillingford, partnering mystery bowler Sunil Narine would be very effective, with the second and third Tests scheduled for Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, respectively. (EZS)