After missing out on scoring well in the first of the three tests that took place in England recently for the newly-named Botham-Richards trophy, Kraigg Brahtwaite was back among the runs as seen in July.
And truth be told, it was rather disappointing to see such a fabulous and correct batsman getting out on poor scores in the series’ opening Test itself.
It’s one thing to play at Lord’s but such a great chance, from a Windies perspective, by scoring dollops of runs in what was a monumental, if also, somber occasion for one of England’s greatest: Jimmy Anderson.
But while Anderson, the leader of England’s red-ball attack was in full force, taking no fewer than four wickets at Lord’s, including a 3-fer, Kraigg Brathwaite, the leader of Windies’ batting order folded the game disappointingly.
The placement wasn’t right, nor was the sense of timing; in all, fears surrounding Kraigg Brathwaite’s own form grew apparent since all he could make from the first test were 10 odd runs.
His dismissal in solitary-figures in either innings didn’t inspire confidence.
But that is what makes Kraigg Brathwaite such an interesting and promising character of West Indies cricket that he constantly finds a way to fight back and rediscover runs.
Prior to his 61, which came at the third and final Test at Birmingham, he hit 48 and 47 and indicated that barring the fiasco of the opening game, it wasn’t actually that his bat had gone fully dry.
There were still things on offer. The quintessential Kraigg Brathwaite intent was very much there.
For someone who was seen dislodged from his batting crease without much ado by the Englishmen at Lord’s had fought back to face 203 deliveries, in all, in the outings that followed thereafter.
But here is what would have cast the most impression upon the impassioned Windies fans and their minds.
It’s what Kraigg Brathwaite, the captain, the man who wears cool weathers on his shoulders, exclaimed at the completion of the final day’s play of the Third Test, a contest that again didn’t reach the last or fifth day.
The right hander shared in a customary calm but focused tone: “I am really looking forward to the two Tests against South Africa.” He would further add, “There are still a few Tests to go this year, and I am excited about these games.”
Brathwaite, who, without much doubt, is the main-man with bat in a Windies test shirt in five-dayers has authored a career that looks settled and compact, but also one that could do well with a few more big runs his way. His team will need plenty from him as this current series progresses, provided the rains can go find a better place to engage themselves with.
Having said that, here is an observation that beckons your observation.
What’s missing in Kraigg Brathwaite’ resume are the big daddy hundreds. Make no mistake, his highest Test score is a mighty competitive and respectable 212. But this came a decade back in time.
Since then, the batsman associated with patience and resolve has gone on to hit big centuries, such as that 160 that came against England (in the Caribbean, in 2022) and that emphatic 182, which stunned Zimbabwe early last year (February 2023).
But it’s the ability to hit hundreds regularly, like the way he did, lest it is forgotten, three in 2014, that needs to come to the West Indies’s party.
Only then, shall we say, the West Indian crowd and their passionate cricketers will get to experience a party of a kind; one they truly deserve just as much as their able Test leader.
What do you reckon?