West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite attributed wounded pride as the driving force behind their stunning upset of Australia in Brisbane on Sunday and emphasized the need for more consistent test cricket to sustain their resurgence.
Once a formidable force in test cricket, West Indies’ expectations had dwindled over years of decline. Brathwaite’s touring squad faced skepticism upon their arrival in Australia to compete against the reigning World Test Championship winners. Following a discouraging 10-wicket loss in the first test in Adelaide, the West Indies, led by the impressive Shamar Joseph, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround to secure an eight-run victory at the Gabba.
Brathwaite acknowledged that disparaging remarks from former Australian pace bowler Rodney Hogg served as significant motivation. Responding to Hogg’s criticism, Brathwaite stated during the post-match ceremony, “Rodney Hogg said we were pathetic and hopeless, so that was our motivation. I want to ask him: ‘Are these muscles big enough for you?'” He further explained in the news conference, “Test match cricket is never easy … when you have a guy disrespecting West Indies, and us players that are playing, it is hurtful.”
This triumph marked West Indies’ first test win over Australia since 2003 and their first in Australia since 1997. Brathwaite emphasized the importance of increased opportunities for West Indies in the test format to build on their success in Brisbane.
“I do believe we should be playing more test cricket more consistently,” Brathwaite urged. “That’s my cry. I always believe the more you play, especially when it’s (matches) close together, you learn as batsmen and bowlers. So this is a message for whoever it may be that we need more test cricket.”
Encouragingly, young quick Shamar Joseph, who delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 7-68 at the Gabba, expressed his commitment to test cricket. Joseph declared, “It’s my dream to play test cricket for West Indies. There will be times when T20s might come around (but) I will always be available to play test cricket for West Indies, no matter how much money comes towards me. I will always be here to play test cricket.”
