CANBERRA, Australia, CMC- West Indies all rounder Dwayne Bravo has sounded a warning to jog the memory of Australian cricket fans as he makes a return to the regional side in a warm-up fixture here today.
Vice Captain Bravo, turning out in West Indies colours for the first time in three months, is reminding fans that the opener Chris Gayle is a dangerous man.
Gayle, regarded as the game’s most powerful batsman, has been attracting attention in Canberra as the Windies takes on the Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval.
“We all know Chris is one of the best players in the world, you can’t hide that, and these conditions suit him,” said Bravo.
“I hope that people remember that and know that he’s still a dangerous batsman.”
Three years ago when the two sides last met, the 33-year-old smashed an amazing 146 off just 89 balls – with eight sixes – as the Windies made 399-5 off 45 overs.
The Windies Vice Captain last wore the Number 47 jersey when he celebrated victory in the ICC World T20 Championship final on October 7 last year – his 29th birthday.
He missed the tour of Bangladesh late last year but is promising to be back with a bang as he lines up against the Ricky Ponting-led side.
“We are happy to be here. I’ve been out for a while and I’m happy to be back for the West Indies,”said Bravo yesterday afternoon as the West Indies held a full training session at the match venue.
“The Prime Minister always fields a good XI – as we can see led by Ricky Ponting, one of the greatest captains to play the game. We are looking forward to playing against him once again and starting the tour with a win”.
Bravo also suggested that the team has benefitted from the knowledge and experience of the players who participated in the Australian Big Bash League.
“It gives us an advantage and gives us an insight into how the Aussies think,” Bravo said.
“The Big Bash helped us a lot in getting used to the conditions and we’re going to try to make sure to pass on whatever advantage we have.”
