Brathwaite stresses batting rectification for West Indies ahead of second Test against England

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite has emphasized the urgent need for batting improvement as his team prepares for the second Test against England starting July 18 in Nottingham. 

Following a disappointing performance in the first Test at Lord's, where West Indies managed scores of only 121 and 136 across two innings, Brathwaite stressed the importance of rectifying their batting woes.

“Obviously we've got to find a way... we've had some discussions about different things we can do better as a team. There are still a bit of positives with the bat. With the ball, as I said before, [we gave away] 50-60 runs too many, but it was a positive to get 10 wickets. But with the bat, we've just got to put runs on the board. It's simple,” Brathwaite said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Reflecting on the team's performance, Brathwaite highlighted the need for batsmen to stay longer at the crease and capitalize on scoring opportunities. 

“A few guys did get in and didn't go on. It's just important that you go on for longer. Because the longer you bat, the easier it becomes, and it's important to stay in that plan for as long as possible. Obviously you want to put away bad balls, that's what everybody wants to do. But it's that hard work that you do for 40 minutes, being able to take that to an hour, two hours,” Brathwaite said.

“And it is a balance, a mixture of putting away the bad balls, because when you put away the bad balls it gives them confidence. We just got to keep learning. You know, I think a lot of learning would have taken place in the first Test, and you've just got to believe in our ability and do it and aim to do it for longer periods,” he further added.

Acknowledging his role as both captain and opener, Brathwaite accepted responsibility for setting a strong foundation in batting.

“I know what I have to do, and it's obviously important to lead this team and lead the batting. Just to build this foundation is obviously what I'm focusing on and obviously that always puts us in a better position to score big runs,” Brathwaite continued.

Looking ahead to the second Test, Brathwaite expressed optimism despite the setback in the first match. 

“What's gone is gone. The first defeat is gone. The preparation period is gone. I think the guys are in very good spirits. Mentally, it's really important to believe in yourself. Guys are ready to go,” he concluded.