West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite remains optimistic about his team’s ability to recover against England despite suffering a crushing innings and 114-run defeat in the first Test at Lord’s on Friday.
The West Indies team, with limited preparation in English conditions, faced challenges with a top-order including debutant Mikyle Louis and the relatively inexperienced Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, and Kavem Hodge, who had only nine caps combined before the start of the three-match series.
The visitors struggled in both innings, succumbing to debutant fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who claimed 12 wickets, in what was veteran England paceman James Anderson’s 188th and final Test of his illustrious career.
Gudakesh Motie was the only West Indies batsman to score over 30, remaining unbeaten on 31 in the second innings after being dropped by Anderson. The match concluded before lunch on the third day.
With the second Test starting in Nottingham on Thursday, Brathwaite is drawing confidence from their previous tour in Australia. Despite losing the first Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets, they bounced back to level the two-match series 1-1 with a sensational eight-run win at the Gabba in Brisbane.
“The batters, including myself, have got to come to the party,” said Brathwaite, who managed just 10 runs in his 90th Test. “We disappointed ourselves with the bat. We didn’t come to the party at all in both innings. With the ball we could be better, but a positive is we bowled them out (with England making 371).”
Brathwaite emphasized the need for mental toughness and resilience. “We have a lot of ability and talent. This is the world stage. I believe in the guys. For them, it is just to stay mentally strong. After defeat, there is pressure, yes, but you have to be strong mentally. We lost the first Test (in Australia) and came back and showed some fight. We have got to stay mentally tough and fight hard.”
James Anderson, retiring with 704 Test wickets, the most by any fast bowler, was a significant adversary. Brathwaite, who was Anderson’s 500th Test wicket at Lord’s in 2017 and his 702nd on Thursday, acknowledged Anderson’s impact. “He is a legend of the game. I won’t miss him at all,” Brathwaite remarked, echoing the sentiment of many batsmen who have faced the England legend.
