West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite attributed wounded pride as the driving force behind their extraordinary upset of Australia in Brisbane on Sunday, emphasizing the need for more test cricket opportunities to sustain their revival.
Once the most formidable team in test cricket, West Indies faced diminished expectations over years of decline. The touring squad, initially given little chance against the World Test Championship winners in Australia, defied odds with a remarkable turnaround, securing an eight-run victory at the Gabba, led by young quick Shamar Joseph.
Brathwaite revealed that comments from former Australian pace bowler Rodney Hogg served as deep motivation. In response, Brathwaite retorted during the post-match ceremony, stating, “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?'”
Expressing the hurt caused by disrespect towards West Indies, Brathwaite emphasized the significance of more test cricket opportunities for the team to build on their triumph in Brisbane.
“I do believe we should be playing more test cricket more consistently,” said Brathwaite, urging for a regular schedule of matches to enhance the learning experience for batsmen and bowlers.
The victory marked West Indies’ first test win over Australia since 2003 and their first in Australia since 1997. Brathwaite highlighted the importance of consistent test cricket opportunities for sustained success.
The positive news for Brathwaite included the commitment of young quick Shamar Joseph to the format. Despite playing through pain and delivering a match-winning performance with figures of 7-68 at the Gabba, Joseph expressed his unwavering dedication to playing test cricket for West Indies, emphasizing that he would always make himself available, regardless of other formats or financial considerations.
