MOISTURE IN PITCH INFLUENCED HOLDER’S DECISION AT THE TOSS

…says vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite

For the second time in as many matches, Jason Holder won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Rahkeem Cornwall replaced Alzarri Joseph in the starting XI, and the other pacers on show: Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder and Kemar Roach, looked a bit sore. Gabriel made an exit early in the day, after showing rust in his bowling. He has been present in all three starting XI for West Indies this series.

After the opening day’s play, West Indies vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite noted that the team had a plan which entailed making full use of the moisture in the pitch. West Indies were in control of the game in the first two sessions of play, but an Ollie Pope-Jos Buttler unbeaten 136-run partnership pegged them on the back-foot for the latter part of the day.
“I don’t think we are out of (contention), to be honest. Once we come out tomorrow and control the scoring rate, that would be good. The team had a plan to bowl first; it’s pretty much an even day. Tomorrow we have to start back well, and look to limit them as least as possible,” Brathwaite posited.
Speaking on Cornwall’s first day of play in the series, Brathwaite has said he believes Cornwall was good in controlling the runs, but it was unfortunate that he did not get a wicket.
In terms of the West Indies’ endeavour to restrict the Englishmen, Brathwaite noted that the bowlers have to start well, and maintain patience.
“A lot of dot balls will create pressure and bring wickets,” he said. “Once we keep it tight in the morning session, that will bring us some wickets,” he explained.
Speaking about Gabriel’s fitness, Brathwaite noted that Gabriel is “good”.
With West Indies equipped with the new-ball that is “under five years old”, Brathwaite believes that using this new ball in finesse is very important.
“The harder ball on the surface is good, (but) I think the new-ball is crucial to us,” Brathwaite declared. At one stage of the game, England were 122-4, but Buttler and Pope took control of the game away from the Windies. With the entire Caribbean calling for West Indies batsmen to score hundreds, Brathwaite is looking to build a good foundation with his fellow opener. The right-handed opener is aiming to convert his starts, having recorded two half-centuries in the series thus far. (Brandon Corlette)