BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies Under-19 cricket captain Kraigg Brathwaite says his team performed well despite their failure to capture the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Of the ten matches played the young West Indies lost two in the just ended 14-team tournament in Australia.
Brathwaite’s side won a series of matches in the preliminary round until the quarterfinal stage when they were first beaten by New Zealand then England.
“I thought the fellas did well. We played in total around ten games, we lost two games. So I thought it was a good tour,” Brathwaite told reporters on his return to the Caribbean.
“We had our chance to go through and win but we didn’t; we just have to continue working harder as individuals. We dropped a few catches some crucial ones as well and that is something we just have to work on as a team.”
Despite a defiant century from John Campbell West Indies lost to England by 13 runs in their 5th place play-off last Friday and earlier were defeated by New Zealand in a closely fought encounter that was decided in the final over.
“It was a tight match, the last over needing 18 runs. Fellas got some luck, a few edges went for four and stuff,” Brathwaite recalled.
“But it was all a learning experience for the fellas and we hope after this we would just become stronger individuals.”
Indian defeated Australia in the final to secure their third Under-19 World Cup title following triumphs in 2000 and 2008.
“It was an international Under-19, so we just embraced the environment and know that we have to come and work hard if we want to come and play internationally at the highest level. Just work hard and come stronger,” Brathwaite said.