Kraigg Brathwaite To Follow Desmond Haynes' Advice In England Tests

Kraigg Brathwaite is fit and raring to go in the three-Test series against England, starting July 8. Brathwaite will bore the brunt of opening the batting for the visitors against a formidable English pace attack which consists of veterans James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Brathwaite, is however, unfazed with the challenge.

The three-Test series will also mark the return of international cricket after a hiatus due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The second match will be played from July 16 with the final Test slated to get underway from 24th.

Kraigg Brathwaite: I know my role, had some words with Sir Desmond

Kraigg Brathwaite has sidelined any kind of pressure on his role. He said that he will keep his focus on every ball. The 27-year-old has spoken to Sir Desmond Haynes before the England tour and will follow his advice in the series. Haynes has asked him to keep things simple and not to complicate it.

“There’s no added pressure. I know my role, it’s just to go out there and focus on each ball and building that foundation for the team. Obviously, the batting didn’t do that well the last couple innings, but I’m ready to go. I’m up to the challenge,” Brathwaite told reporters on Wednesday.

“I had some words with Sir Desmond back in Barbados. We’ve always had a relationship. He was team manager of the Barbados team when I first started.

“It was a lot about keeping it simple, not over-complicating things too much. Spending time is crucial in Test cricket and it’s important for any batsman,” he added.

Brathwaite has played 59 Tests for the West Indies. He averages 33.29 with eight centuries and 17 half-centuries under his belt.