Published: Sep 06, 2017, 09:09 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 06, 2017, 09:20 PM (IST)
West Indies managed to level the ongoing three-match Test series versus England courtesy some brilliant batting from Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope. While Hope is being touted as one of West Indies modern-day greats by coach Stuart Law, Brathwaite is also being blessed. The right-handed opener has been signed by Yorkshire County Cricket Club for the remaining two Division One fixtures of 2017 season. Brathwaite, who scored a magnificent ton and 95 in West Indies’ 5-wicket victory over England at Headingley, will replace Shaun Marsh.
After getting a look-in, Brathwaite was quoted on the Yorkshire CCC website: “It’s a bit of a surprise. Initially, coming to England I knew there would be a lot of opportunities and one of my goals was to score as many runs as possible. I wanted to lead the West Indies batting from the top and earn a chance to play some county cricket.”
Brathwaite added: “Before the second Test I was speaking to my agent and he was telling me that he was talking to Yorkshire’s coaching staff. After the game he came back to me telling me he was getting some quality feedback. They really wanted me and I was very happy because Yorkshire is a very big club in England and I’m very happy and proud to have been selected by them.”
Brathwaite, with 6 Test tons under his belt, spoke about the exposure in county cricket, and how playing in English conditions will polish his batting skills. “Playing county cricket was always one of my goals and coming over here to play against England for the West Indies was going to get me one step closer, if I did well. Many of our past players have played in England and they always say it’s the place to develop a better technique and learn more about batting, predominantly because the ball does a lot throughout the day. Playing in England, playing county cricket will help me learn with every game, every day.”
Martyn Moxon, Director of Yorkshire Cricket, opined on Brathwaite’s selection, “When we found out that Shaun wasn’t going to be available for the last two games, we looked at options to replace him. At such a late stage and with Kraigg getting the runs he did at Headingley, it all came at the right time. We enquired about his availability and it was pleasing he was keen to play and the West Indies cricket board are keen for him to get more experience playing in England, so it fits well for both parties”, concluded Moxon.
