(WICB) HOVE, England – Darren Bravo felt it was unfortunate that there was so little play in the West Indies’ tour opener against Sussex, which ended in a no-result today.
The West Indies left-hander was just getting into the thick of things, when the unstable weather that has dogged the visitors since their arrival brought an early close on the final day of the three-day match at the PROBIZ County Ground.
Bravo was 19 not out, as West Indies reached 90 for three in their first innings after 16 overs were possible before bad light and rain combined to chase the players off the field for the final time.
“It is a bit frustrating,” said Bravo. “The guys wanted to get out there and get acclimatised to the conditions as much as possible.
“We have a Test starting in 10 days time and it is very important that we get as much match practice as possible. . .but we can do nothing about this.”
Bravo played for English county side Nottinghamshire last year, but he said the weather was less kind now and every opportunity was needed to get accustomed to the playing conditions.
“It is a bit colder than when I came to play for Notts, but it is important to adjust to the conditions, and try and perform to the best of my ability,” he said.
“I think it’s important to understand your game and know what are your strengths and weaknesses.
He said: “[The shots I played] I was able to execute properly, but nothing beats spending time in the middle.
“It is important to be able to understand the conditions as much as possible, but I’m happy with the way things went for me in the short space of time.”
Bravo is likely to be one of several players to grace Lord’s for the first time in a Test, when West Indies face England in the first Test at the famous ground, starting on May 17.
Only Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards and Denesh Ramdin have played a Test at the ground previously, although several others have made appearances in diverse ways in the past.
“It would be a great feeling to play a Test at Lord’s,” he said. “It’s the ‘spiritual’ home of the game, as we all know, so playing there at this very young age will be something special and I am looking forward to it. My father will also be there and this will make it an extra-special occasion.
“We are all looking forward to the first Test at Lord’s and I am sure everyone will be looking to give a good account of themselves.”
