… says morning session crucial for tourists
By Clifton Ross
WEST Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite says getting early wickets in the first session is the key to securing the driver’s seat heading into day 2 of the third and final Test at Old Trafford.
England piled on the runs after being reduced to 92-3 at one point. Opener Rory Burns (57), Olli Pope (91*) and Jos Buttler (56), were the primary run-getters.
Speaking to the media via Zoom conference post-match conference, at the end of play on the first day, the opener believed that day 2 will be an important day for the tourists.
“I thought we started well but they had a good partnership between Buttler and Pope who batted really well. So in the end we have a lot of hard work to do tomorrow. We had a plan to bowl first, it was a pretty even day but we have to start back well and limit them” to the least possible runs”, Braithwaite pointed out.
West Indies brought in spinning all-rounder Rakeem Cornwall, who bowled 21 overs for 71 runs without capturing a wicket. Despite going wicket-less in the first day, Braithwaite hailed the burly off-spinner for stemming the flow of runs.
“I thought it was good for him, (Cornwall) the pitch was spinning and I think he controlled the runs. He didn’t get any wickets but I thought he did well.”
Although Pope and Buttler’s century partnership helped dig England out their hole, the right-hander was adamant that a disciplined approach today will help the Windies pull things back.
“We don’t have to rush; we just have to build pressure once we limit boundary balls. Once we could keep it tight in the morning session, I think that pressure will bring wickets,” he believed.
In all when day 2 resumes, Windies will need to break the partnership and take a few wickets. Brathwaite was firm on the Caribbean side keeping their cool and maintaining composure throughout the day.
“We started well. Tomorrow, early wickets will be crucial but if we don’t get early we have to stay in it. We also have to be very disciplined when we start out in the first session today,” Brathwaite ended.