SYDNEY: Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite attributed West Indies’ stunning upset victory over Australia in Brisbane on Sunday to wounded pride, emphasizing the importance of more test cricket for the Caribbean team’s resurgence.
Once regarded as the dominant force in test cricket, West Indies’ stature has diminished over time due to a prolonged period of decline. Despite facing low expectations upon their arrival in Australia, especially after a heavy defeat in the first test in Adelaide, Brathwaite’s squad, led by emerging talent Shamar Joseph, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, clinching victory by eight runs in a thrilling match at the Gabba. Brathwaite singled out comments made by former Australian pace bowler Rodney Hogg as particularly motivating for the team.
“Rodney Hogg said we were pathetic and hopeless, so that was our motivation. I want to ask him: ‘Are these muscles big enough for you?'” he retorted in the post-match ceremony on Sunday.
“We wanted to let him know that we heard him,” Brathwaite added in his news conference. “We planned well as a group, but we saw his words and that was extra motivation for us as well.
“Test match cricket is never easy … when you have a guy disrespecting West Indies, and us players that are playing, it is hurtful.”
Brathwaite emphasized the significance of providing West Indies with more opportunities to engage in Test cricket, citing it as crucial for capitalizing on their victory in Brisbane.
“I do believe we should be playing more test cricket more consistently,” Brathwaite said.
“That’s my cry. I always believe the more you play, especially when it’s (matches) close together, you learn as batsmen and bowlers.
“So this is a message for whoever it may be that we need more test cricket.”
One positive development for Brathwaite was the commitment of young quick Joseph to the format, especially after his remarkable performance at the Gabba where he bravely played through pain to secure a match-winning 7-68 and was subsequently named Man of the Series in his first two tests.
“It’s my dream to play test cricket for West Indies,” he told reporters.
“There will be times when T20s might come around (but) I will always be available to play test cricket for West Indies, no matter how much money comes towards me.
“I will always be here to play test cricket.”
