ZCZC
BSP-24
CRICKET-BRATHWAITE LEAD
Brathwaite seeks motivation from disastrous 2018 tour in Bangladesh
CHATTOGRAM, Feb 2, 2021 (BSS)- West Indies is seeking motivation from their disastrous 2018 outing in Bangladesh as they take on the hosts for the first two-match Test series here at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium tomorrow (Wednesday).
The Caribbean side was whitewashed in the two-match Test series, being humbled by the Bangladeshi spinners, who took all 40 available wickets.
Kraigg Brathwaite who is leading the Test team in absence of Jason Holder said this time also they are expecting a turning track but they are now well equipped unlike the last visit.
“We lost the series here last time, which is the No 1 motivation for us,” Brathwaite said here today during a virtual media conference.
“I played against these guys before but some of the guys haven’t. We have seen footage and from a batsman’s point of view, we have our plans in place. We have to be positive, by rotating the strike, looking to be aggressive. They are quality bowlers but I think we have the skills to come out on top and get big runs. I am backing the batters. The guys have put in some work, and we all look forward to the challenge.”
As a captain, Brathwaite himself wants to lead from the front as he said a big opening partnership will be key in thriving in spinning condition of Bangladesh.
“I think it is key for openers to put on a good partnership, especially here in Bangladesh. Big opening partnerships can basically make it easier for guys to come. It would put us in a good position. John is batting well. I really enjoying batting with him,” said Brathwaite, who himself is an opener.
West Indies dominated the three-day warm up game against BCB XI, by playing well against the spinners. In addition, with bowling, their spinners, specially off-spinner Rakheem Cornwall put up a great performance to give them the hopes.
Brathwait, Campbell and Nkrumah Bonner hit half-centuries to do well in practice match alongside Cornwall who took 5-47 in the first innings of the match.
Their pacers Shannon Gabrieal and Kemar Roach though couldn’t take any five-for, but bowled with aggression and determination in spinning track.
“The spinners will feature in this game, which is my honest opinion. I still think there’s always room for pacers. We played on a low pitch in the practice game but the pacers still did a good job by applying a lot of pressure,” Brathwaite opined.
“Rakheem (Cornwall) did a very good job in the practice game. He created a lot of pressure by bowling dot balls. I think he will do well in this series. He is a quality offspinner. We have to support him in the field, but that’s for every bowler not only Rakheem,” he said.
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