‘Prove yourselves’ - Brathwaite expects Windies youngsters to make most of opportunity in upcoming series

BRIDGETOWN (CMC):

Stand-in captain Kraigg Brathwaite says the upcoming Test series in Bangladesh will provide what he describes as a “great opportunity” for inexperienced players, and says he is under no pressure after being asked to lead the side in Jason Holder’s absence.

West Indies have found themselves depleted for the two-Test series after Holder, and first-choice players Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Shamarh Brooks and Shimon Hetmyer, also opted out of the tour due to “COVID-19 related concerns or personal fears”.

They were among 10 players, also across the one-day format, who have chosen not to travel.

However, Brathwaite said once players performed to their strengths and executed the basics properly, he expected the team to challenge despite their relative inexperience.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for this team,” he said. “Obviously we have a few guys that have never played so I know the guys are raring and ready to grab this opportunity with both hands,” Brathwaite said Friday, shortly before the side’s departure for London, en route to Dubai and then Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh in Bangladesh is a tough team, but I’m confident in these guys. These guys have a lot of talent and I know they will be looking to grab the opportunity.

“[They just have to] keep it simple and enjoy it. As I said, it’s a great opportunity for even myself and the guys going, to just go out there and express themselves.

“So I think once they are clear in their plans, and I’m 100 per cent behind them, I know they have the ability to do well on the international level so it’s just about enjoying it and keeping it simple.”

The squad comprises the uncapped quartet of all-rounders Kyle Mayers and Kavem Hodge, and batsmen Nkrumah Bonner and Shayne Moseley, while wicketkeeper Joshua DaSilva has played a single Test and replaces first-choice gloveman Shane Dowrich, who is unavailable due to personal reasons.

Brathwaite, who has already led West Indies five of his 64 Tests, was called on to lead the unit after Holder, along with vice-captain Chase, both declined selection.

He said the step-up was natural for him since he already held a leadership role in the Test setup.

West Indies will have bitter memories from their last tour of Bangladesh when they suffered heavy defeats in both Tests in three days, and Brathwaite said the key to success this time around will be batting and bowling in partnerships.

West Indies arrived in Bangladesh yesterday and will play two Tests after a three-match One-Day International series, in a tour which runs until February 15.

West Indies Test Squad

Kraigg Brathwaite (captain)

Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain)

Nkrumah Bonner

John Campbell

Rahkeem Cornwall

Joshua Da Silva

Shannon Gabriel

Kavem Hodge

Alzarri Joseph

Kyle Mayers

Shayne Moseley

Veerasammy Permaul

Kemar Roach

Raymon Reifer

Jomel Warrican

West Indies ODI Squad

Jason Mohammed (captain)

Sunil Ambris (vice-captain)

Nkrumah Bonner

Joshua Da Silva

Jahmar Hamilton

Chemar Holder

Akeal Hosein

Alzarri Joseph

Kyle Mayers

Andre McCarthy

Kjorn Ottley

Rovman Powell

Raymon Reifer

Romario Shepherd

Hayden Walsh jr

Full tour schedule

January 18: One-day warm-up match, BKSP, Savar

January 20: 1st ODI, SBNCS, Dhaka

January 22: 2nd ODI, SBNCS, Dhaka

January 25: 3rd ODI, ZACS, Chattogram

January 28-31: Four-day warm-up, M.A. Aziz Stadium, Chattogram

February 3-7: 1st Test Match, ZACS, Chattogram

February 11-15: 2nd Test Match, SBNCS, Dhaka

West Indies Test Squad

Kraigg Brathwaite (captain)

Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain)

Nkrumah Bonner

John Campbell

Rahkeem Cornwall

Joshua Da Silva

Shannon Gabriel

Kavem Hodge

Alzarri Joseph

Kyle Mayers

Shayne Moseley

Veerasammy Permaul

Kemar Roach

Raymon Reifer

Jomel Warrican