Better batting team will win series, says Shamarh Brooks

By Brandon Corlette

The batting performance of this current West Indies squad has been placed under the microscope, and former West Indies stars and cricket pundits have noted that the West Indies batting department is somewhat its weak-point.
The men in maroon have completed their first practice match on Thursday. It spanned three days, and despite solid starts, no batsman reached triple figures during that time.

After the match, West Indies batsman Shamarh Brooks spoke to the media in a virtual press conference, predicting that the better batting team would win this historic bio-secure three-match Test series in England, come July 8. Brooks believes the West Indies batting group has the right tools to make strong batting statements.

“We are looking forward to this series. I personally believe that the team that bats well

will come out trumps. It was good to get out there and spend some time in the middle, and nothing beats match practice,” Brooks posited.
The Barbadian, who scored an unbeaten 66 in the second innings and third day of this practice match, noted that spending time ‘in the middle’ is important to getting runs.
Brooks, a former West Indies U-19 captain, was impressed with the energy shown by the reserves. During the game, Brooks disclosed that a majority of the Test batsmen spent some time ‘in the middle’ and that was vital as the maroon men move forward.
Reflecting on his warm-up, Brooks highlighted that the more time he spent in the middle, the easier it got. The last time Brooks rocked the Test whites for the West Indies, he scored a century against the Afghanistan team. Shedding some light on the absence of Shimron Hetmyer and Darren Bravo, Brooks noted that the West Indies have the experience in the dressing room.
In 2018, Brooks toured England with the West Indies ‘A Team’. Reminiscing on that effort, Brooks referred to the warm conditions and good batting pitches, in contrast with this one the practice match was played on in Manchester.
When asked what batting position he prefers, Brooks disclosed that number three or four is fine. “I think, as an international cricketer, you should not hide. Batting three or four does not really matter,” Brooks explained.

Clarity on Jason Holder’s fitness
There has been noise emanating because Jason Holder did not bowl in this three-day practice match, but West Indies Media Officer Dario Barthley confirmed that Holder was padded up to bat prior to the close of play.
He further noted that the West Indies Test captain has bowled with his full run-up during recent net sessions.
Holder has experienced some ankle issues in recent times, but his decision not to bowl in this practice game was more of a strategy born out of precaution. As number one Test all-rounder, Holder was also seen in the field with his team throughout the match.
West Indies will play their second and final practice match on Monday, June 29. That match will be played across four days, and the first Test match is scheduled for July 8.