WI v IND 2023: “We showed some fight in this game with the bat,” says Kraigg Brathwaite after 2nd Test ends in a draw

West Indies conceded the Test series 1-0 to India.

Kraigg Brathwaite | GettyWest Indies conceded a 1-0 series victory to India after the fifth and final day of the second Test got washed out due to relentless rain at Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.

While the hosts suffered an innings and 141-run defeat in the series opener in Dominica, they put up an improved performance in the drawn second Test.

Chasing 365 to win, West Indies were 76/2 at stumps on the penultimate day before rain played spoilsport on Day 5 in Port of Spain.

Speaking after the game, Caribbean skipper Kraigg Brathwaite said his side showed some fight with the bat in the second Test, while insisting that there remains room for improvement in the bowling department.

“We showed some fight in this game with the bat. Bowling-wise, we can be more disciplined. It was a good comeback from the batters. We lost five wickets yesterday, that wasn't good. Top-order batting 100+ overs is pleasing,” Brathwaite said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“We were positive, we had 98 overs on a pitch that was relatively good. It (chase) was on. Unfortunately with the weather, we didn't get a chance,” he added.

The captain was effusive in praise of youngsters Alick Athanaze and Kirk McKenzie. Athanaze amassed 112 runs in three innings, while McKenzie scored 32 runs in the first innings and was dismissed for a duck in the second innings in Port of Spain.

“Alick (Athanaze) looked good from the word go. In the Dominica Test, he belonged. They have good pitches in Australia. Continue working on your game, come and enjoy it. Kirk (McKenzie) looked good in his first match. These two guys have promise. They are the future. I have a lot of belief in these two,” Brathwaite remarked.

“It'll be good to have some camps, some match practices. Using Kookaburra balls. Preparation is important. We need to bat for long periods against good teams. Some countries have club cricket going on,” he concluded.

India and West Indies will now square off in a three-match ODI series, starting July 27 in Barbados.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 25 Jul, 2023

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