COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, CMC – Opener Kraigg Brathwaite believes the spin-friendly pitches here will prove more of an opportunity than a challenge, when the Test series bowls off next week.
The 22-year-old top-scored with 46 in West Indies’ 126 for seven yesterday as the Caribbean side’s batting struggled on the opening day of the three-day tour match against the Sri Lanka Cricket Board President’s XI.
And with West Indies bracing for a barrage of spin on slow, turning tracks, Brathwaite said batsmen could be successful once they remained disciplined.
“The pitches are quite [good] although they may turn,” said the right-hander, who has already registered four Tests hundreds including a double in a relatively short 22-Test career.
“They’re quite good for batting so it’s just about assessing the pitch as early as possible and knowing which shots to play and which shots not to play and the bottom line is to enjoy it.
“Obviously I will be looking to get some big scores. My main thing is to build that foundation for the team as the opener, getting through that new ball and once I back myself and bat deep, I will get big scores down here.”
As expected, spin was a factor on the rain-hit opening day of the tour match where only 46 overs were possible, with off-spinner Suraj Randiv picking up three of the wickets to tumble.
Opting to bat first, the Windies were cruising at 78 for one on the back of a 55-run, second wicket stand between Brathwaite and left-hander Darren Bravo, who made 21.
However, once Bravo fell in the first over after tea, West Indies lost five wickets for 35 runs to collapse to 113 for six in the final session.
Brathwaite, who faced 102 deliveries and counted six fours, said his aim was to spend time at the crease and get acclimatized to the conditions.
“It (pitch) was a bit difficult. It was on the slow side and outside was overcast so the bowlers were getting the ball to move about a bit but I was up for the challenge,” Brathwaite explained.
“Myself and (Rajindra) Chandrika worked hard for the first hour and it is just unlucky that we didn’t go on and get a bigger score.”
He added: “Playing on these pitches you have to always get accustomed. Usually my game is around the first hour, getting through that and fighting. It is about building an innings so that’s what I look to do, whether it is a practice game or a Test, that’s what I’m going to do.”
West Indies have never won a Test match on Sri Lankan soil, a record they will be hoping to correct in the two-Test series.
And Brathwaite said he would be looking to play his part, and was working hard in preparation.
“Thus far, preparations have gone quite well. I had a few net sessions. The [tour] game was put back [by a day] but today I had good time in the middle,” he said.
“Preparation is going good. I’m working hard, facing the bowlers in the nets. I’ve been facing a good set of spin because you know you will probably get a lot of spin in the Test match. I’m enjoying the pitches.”
