"Arrived Here With No Experience" - Kraigg Brathwaite Blames West Indies, ICC Following 10-Wicket Loss To Australia

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite stated that the team needs to improve following their loss against Australia in the first Test match. Kraigg Brathwaite emphasized that the West Indies have faced challenges, particularly in terms of experience and support from the ICC.

The West Indies were bowled out for 120 in the second innings, with Josh Hazlewood taking 5/35. Australia chased down the target in 6.4 overs, securing a 10-wicket win in the first Test. The Pat Cummins-led team took an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

West Indies Are A Powerhouse Of World Cricket – Kraigg Brathwaite

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite expressed his disappointment and suggested that the current condition of West Indies cricket is not surprising, considering the challenges faced by West Indies cricket and the lack of support from the ICC.

“I just find this all a bit sad, I mean the West Indies are a powerhouse of world cricket, they have been for many generations,” Brathwaite said on Fox Cricket.

“They’ve arrived here with no experience, they’ve fought but the game doesn’t give them enough. The ICC, the handouts, West Indies cricket, just look at the state that it’s in. We can’t be surprised,” he added.

Australia continued their dominance in Test cricket during the series opener in Adelaide. Australia bowled out the West Indies for 188, with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins both securing four wickets each. Kirk McKenzie scored his maiden half-century in the first innings.

Our Pitches Are Obviously Getting Better – Kraigg Brathwaite

Kraigg Brathwaite emphasized the importance of producing pitches in the Caribbean with more bounce rather than ones that start spinning early. He expressed the need to develop pitches that provide support for fast bowlers and boost their confidence.

“I think one thing that would be great for us, is we’ve just got to produce some great pitches in the Caribbean, pitches that have some bounce so that we can produce more from our bowlers not just a lot of spinners. Pretty much in our first class all the bowlers are spinning,” Brathwaite added.

“Our pitches are obviously getting better, and they did improve in the last two years, if it continues to get some pace in it, our fast bowlers can enjoy themselves and get some pace and balls bouncing, getting to the keeper well and not carrying at knee height. I think all of that together will help us produce more fast bowlers because it gives them a lot of confidence.”

Debutant Shamar Joseph dismissed ace Australian batter Steve Smith with his first ball in Test cricket. The right-arm took his maiden five-wicket haul, registering impressive figures of 5/94 in the first innings. Kemar Roach and Justin Greaves claimed two wickets each.

After the comprehensive win, Australia have now secured the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 points table. In contrast, the West Indies are in the eighth position, with two losses and a draw after three matches and just four points to their tally.

Also read: AUS vs WI: “West Indies Don’t Get Many Test Matches” – Kraigg Brathwaite Pleads For More Tests