WEST Indies have been strongly criticised for their efforts in Australia, but Carlos Brathwaite insists they are working hard to improve.All-rounder Brathwaite was pleased to play his part in a more defiant display from West Indies on day three of the second Test with Australia in Melbourne.
After being trounced by an innings and 212 runs in Hobart, the Windies again found themselves dominated to a painful extent over the first two days at the MCG – slumping to 91-6 after Australia had declared on a mammoth total of 551-3.
However, there was a fightback of sorts from the tourists yesterday as they battled to reach 271 all out, Test debutant Brathwaite taking advantage of two reprieves – when he was bowled and caught at fine-leg off James Pattinson no-balls – to contribute 59 to a seventh-wicket stand of 90 with Darren Bravo (81).
Australia remain firmly on course for victory, having progressed to 179-3 in their second innings to lead by 459 with two days remaining, but the Windies could at least take heart from an improved showing after facing much criticism.
“The game is still very, very far out of our hands and it will take a monumental effort to bring ourselves back into the game and even try to draw it or win it, but that’s a challenge we’ll look at tomorrow (Tuesday),” said Brathwaite, who also picked up his first Test wicket when he removed the dangerous David Warner for 17.
“I was just happy that I could contribute to a fighting day’s performance and hope that the fans in the West Indies get to put a smile back on their faces and realise that we’re not just here for being here sake, we actually want to compete and do well.”Out there representing West Indies and the couple of hundred thousand persons back home, I need to do everything to represent this badge and represent them, because everyone can’t be here to do it for themselves.
“I know I desperately want to represent the West Indies. It’s the stuff dreams are made of. It’s something I will hold dear to my heart every second I’m out there representing West Indies with that maroon cap on.
“I think the team spirit is there. When performances aren’t going well it’s difficult to see energy, difficult to see how hard guys work. I don’t think the wider public is seeing the effort that we put in, which is unfortunate.”
Discussing his two reprieves due to Pattinson over-stepping, Brathwaite jokingly added: “I’ll probably play lotto tonight.”