Taking 20 wickets, scoring big first innings key in Sri Lanka Tests, says Brathwaite

By Brandon Corlette

West Indies will be aiming to record their first ever win against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka in the Test format. The two teams commenced battle today (November 21) at 12:30h Eastern Caribbean Time.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the match, captain Kraigg Brathwaite said the key for West Indies to win is taking 20 wickets at the Galle International Stadium.
“You have to get 20 wickets to win the game. And our bowling unit has been leading this team for the last couple months. I think it’s key to have a good start. In the top-order it will be crucial in getting those big partnerships. Runs on the board is key, especially in the sub-continent. A good first innings total is the key for us as a team to put pressure on the opponents,” Brathwaite told the media.

The current West Indies squad is stacked with spinners, including Rahkeem Cornwall, who is described as the number one Test spinner for the West Indies, and left-arm spinners Jomel Warrican and Veerasammy Permaul. Roston Chase is also in the spin group.
Brathwaite noted that the spinners are looking forward to leading the attack. “As a bowling unit, we cannot look too far ahead. Once we build pressure with dot balls, that will bring wickets. The spinners are excited for the challenge, but it won’t be easy. Sri Lanka batsmen (are) at home, and they play spin really good, but the guys are looking forward to it, and the spinners looking forward to lead the attack,” the skipper added.
Brathwaite, the opening batsman who has a Test average of 28 in the sub-continent, scored 556 Test runs in 2021, leading the charge for the West Indies. He said he is in a better place after his last series.
“(For) an opening batsman, balance is key for my batting. Facing spin and pace… really helps,” the captain said.

Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s captain, had scores of 66, 116, 244 and 75, and is among the veterans who returned in the 22-man squad. He will be aiming to continue their unbeaten record against West Indies in Sri Lanka.
Mickey Arthur (Sri Lanka head coach) said: “Karunaratne’s last knock in Test cricket was a double-hundred. Angelo is one of the great players in the game. Suranga Lakmal is so crucial for us with the new ball, and he is a wonderful player. It’s great to have them back, and their experience is going to be vital.”
Sri Lanka Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Minod Bhanuka, Roshen Silva, Ramesh Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Chamika Karunaratne, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Embuldeniya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Suminda Lakshan, Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Chamika Gunasekara.
West Indies Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jeremy Solozano and Jomel Warrican.