CRICKET-TOUR-Converting starts key to large totals: Brathwaite.

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe, CMC – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite has urged his batters to make their starts count if West Indies are to mount large totals in the two-Test series against Zimbabwe next month.

The right-handed opener led the Caribbean side to 313 for five on the opening day of the four-day tour match against a Zimbabwe XI after stroking a typically compact 116.

However, his opening partner Tagenarine Chanderpaul and lower order batsman Kyle Mayers missed out on half-centuries when they perished for 46. At the same time, another left-hander Raymon Reifer spent 1-¼ hours over 23 without pushing on.

At the close, Devon Thomas was unbeaten on 42 with wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva on nine.

“It’s important. We have to convert those starts. It’s a practice game, guys will be looking to see how they got out and if it was a bit of a loss in concentration,” Brathwaite said in an interview following play at the Bulawayo Athletic Club here Saturday.

“But I think it is important once we get a start to go big, and I know the guys are fully capable of going big, and it’s just to believe it.

“The two guys at the crease now, Devon and Josh, look good, and I think it is important we start back well tomorrow.”

Before the series, Brathwaite stressed the importance of large first innings totals for West Indies to take early control of Test matches.

Against Australia last month, their best first-innings total was 283 in the opening Test in Perth, which they went on to lose by 164 runs.

Brathwaite, who anchored a 137-run opening stand with Chanderpaul here Saturday, said the overall batting effort had been encouraging.

“I was very impressed [with the batsmen’s focus]. We had one meeting before this game and spoke about the importance of the first innings.

“Obviously, in Test matches, we’re looking to start well and get a big total for the first innings, so it was perfect for getting that run out today, and obviously, it’s important tomorrow that we start back well and don’t take the position for granted.”

He continued: “Coming back on the second day of a Test match is important. It sets up the day. It sets up the game with big first innings total … I think we’ve got to build on this score and get us in the habit of getting a big first innings score.”