ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite has praised his charges following their 201-run win over Bangladesh in Tuesday’s opening Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
The home side needed seven overs to wrap up Bangladesh’s tail on the fifth and final day to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
The win was set up by the Windies’ batters in the first innings, with Player-of-the-Match Justin Greaves scoring his maiden Test century, while Mikyle Louis and Alick Athanaze were dismissed in their 90s in a total of 450 for nine declared.
Their fast bowling quartet of Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Shamar Joseph then restricted the visitors in both innings to help set up the comfortable victory.
In a post-match interview, Brathwaite said the batters and the bowlers played crucial roles in the win.
“The way we batted in the first innings, to put up 450 runs, was excellent.
“Normally, day one is especially favorable for the bowlers here in Antigua. In the first two sessions, the pitch was prolonged and had a fair bit of moisture, and the way we went about it and got up to 450 with guys getting some big 50s and Justin Greaves getting a hundred, I think that put us in a good position to press for the win,” Brathwaite said.
“The fast bowlers worked fantastic together. Kemar Roach was the leader of this bowling unit, both on and off the field. To see how they went about it, the discipline was superb, and we showed some aggression, which is essential in Test cricket.
“Everyone has different skill sets in the fast bowling unit and I think they have a very bright future,” he added.
With the second Test scheduled to begin on Saturday in Jamaica, Brathwaite said the guys were relieved to have a Test win under their belts following tough series losses to England and South Africa earlier in the year.
“A lot of learning would have occurred coming from the England tour where we didn’t win a Test match, and that was tough, but I always tell the guys to keep learning.
“Test cricket is all about learning, and coming from the last Test against South Africa to here, we’ve seen some improvements…” Brathwaite maintained.
“It was good to see and get a Test win, and we must continue working hard.”
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