Brathwaite urges fresh start after Windsor Park debacle

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):

WEST INDIES captain Kraigg Brathwaite said yesterday that the underpressure Caribbean side were looking to make a fresh start in their 100th Test against India, starting here today, after putting to rest the nightmare defeat in last week’s first Test.

The home side were thrashed by an innings and 141 runs inside just three days at Windsor Park and face a monumental task now of avoiding yet another clean sweep by the Asian powerhouses in the upcoming contest at Queen’s Park Oval.

Speaking to reporters, Brathwaite said it was important for his side to move on from the recent debacle, especially with everything to play for in Port-of-Spain.

“[It is] not difficult [to pick ourselves up]. We had some good discussions once again, and the guys are looking forward to it (Test),” Brathwaite said.

“It (first Test defeat) is gone. We can’t do anything about it. Every game you play – first game or second game – is history, so you can’t change the result.

“But I think it’s all about our mental preparation going into this game, especially as batters. We have to play the situation a lot better and just be smart.

“But the main thing for the guys is to enjoy it. What is gone is gone. You can’t bring it back, and we’ve got to go out and aim to make the region proud.”

The two teams are meeting for the 100th time in Tests following their first-ever game 75 years ago, but on the evidence of the first Test and the last two decades, India are already firm favourites.

UNDEFEATED SINCE 2002

West Indies have not beaten them in a single Test since 2002, and the recent Windsor Park debacle only helped to confirm the gulf in quality between the two teams.

And with the West Indian public understandably disenchanted with the side, Brathwaite urged supporters for patience as they chased an improved performance in the coming days.

“We need the support. What is gone is gone. We cannot bring it back regardless of whatever you say,” said the seasoned opener.

“So we just need the support. We’re giving it our all. We’re disappointed, yes. As individuals and human beings you would know that. We know where we have to improve, and we’ve just go to do it.

“It’s simple: if we don’t do it, we won’t improve. So we ask [the fans] to come out and support us.”

The Windsor Park surface has been the topic of discussion ever since West Indies’ defeat, the pitch providing plenty of turn, which was exploited by veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for his 12-wicket match haul.

However, Brathwaite said that while he expected the Queen’s Park Oval strip to take turn late in the game, he anticipated a surface that would also be helpful to the faster bowlers and batsmen alike.

“I think it’s a good batting surface. It will have in a bit for everyone,” Brathwaite pointed out.

“Later down it may have in a little spin on day four and day five, but I think it will be a much better batting pitch than Dominica.”

West Indies were toppled for totals of 150 and 130 in Dominica while failing to dismiss India, who piled up 421 for five declared.

And with their spinners bagging just two wickets between them, selectors have called up uncapped off-spinner Kevin Sinclair to the 13-man squad to boost the slo- bowling resources.

He is now expected to make his debut, with fellow off-break bowler Rahkeem Cornwall ruled out through illness, a development that has resulted in Raymon Reifer being drafted into the squad again after being dropped a few days ago.

SQUADS:

WEST INDIES – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kirk McKenzie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican

INDIA – Rohit Sharma (captain), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, KS Bharat, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Mukesh Kumar, Axar Patel, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat