Reflecting on the first day of the second Test match, West Indies vice-captain and opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite in his virtual post-match press conference believe that West Indies will have to start strong on the second day. While adding that the pitch was somewhat slow and had moisture, Brathwaite believes that the West Indies have kept themselves in the game and by giving away free runs as England ended the day on 207-3.

Brathwaite said that a potential total of 350 runs or less posted by England in their first innings will be manageable for the West Indies in their first innings. “Tomorrow is key for us, to start well, anything under 350 is alright for us.” With England resting James Anderson and Mark Wood while Jofra Archer was dropped after he breached Covid-19 protocols, Brathwaite is still of the view that England bowling group is equipped.

England will rely on the services of Stuart Broad, Sam Curran, and Chris Woakes while Ben Stokes will provide that fourth seam option and Dom Bess and Joe Root are the spin options. Speaking from a batting perspective, Brathwaite is agreeing with Head Coach Phil Simmons who had earlier called on the batsmen to score centuries.

“I agree with Coach, the last game batsmen had started so I agree with Coach, when we get starts we must get three figures,” Brathwaite posited. West Indies, who dropped some catches and failed to make early inroads with the new ball, will be aiming to express themselves with the new ball on the second morning of the second Test match. (Brandon Corlette)