COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, CMC – Kraigg Brathwaite was the unlikeliest of bowling heroes when his stunning six-wicket haul routed Sri Lanka on Saturday’s third day of the second and final Test, but the part-time off-spinner said he had always trusted himself to turn the game for West Indies.
Sri Lanka were fighting back at 154 for four when Brathwaite struck with just his seventh delivery of the day to break a threatening 67-run, fifth wicket partnership between captain Angelo Mathews (46) and Milinda Siriwardana (42).
Brathwaite then sliced through the middle and lower order with a spell of six for 29 as the hosts were bundled out for 206 in their second innings.
“The truth is, I like to bowl so I was always in [the captain’s] ears asking for the ball and telling him I could get the breakthrough,” Brathwaite told reporters.
“There came a point where he said he would give me [a bowl] but he wanted me to keep it tight and I said I would do that but I told him I was going to get wickets. I just believe I would get them and I did.”
He added: “The belief in my bowling, I always had it. There were two left-handers at the crease so I was just backing myself to get the breakthrough. My job was to keep things as tight as possible but I ended up doing very well.
“I was happy and obviously quite proud. I take my bowling quite seriously, and obviously Jermaine Blackwood did a good job in taking five catches. I am really happy with my performance.”
Brathwaite, who has previously averaged just over two overs over his 23 Tests and taken just one wicket, removed both Mathews and Siriwardana as Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for 52 runs.
More known for his batting which has brought him four hundreds at an average of 33.50 in Tests, the 22-year-old said he had always made it a habit to practice his bowling during net sessions.
“Most of the times I bat in the nets, I make sure I put in some work in the bowling. It may not be too strenuous by I try to put in some work every day and that just helped me in this series,” he said.
He added: “The pitch has something for the spinners and I was quite consistent in my areas. As spinners on this pitch, once you’re consistent with your lines and lengths, you should get some purchase.”
Ironically, Brathwaite then failed with the bat, dismissed for just three, as West Indies ended the day on 20 for one in pursuit of 244 for victory.
However, he said once the visitors showed discipline they could complete the successful run chase.
“I believe as a batting unit we can do the job. Obviously patience will be the key and once we stay positive in our mindsets, I believe as batsmen once we build partnerships, we should win the game.”
