West Indies are bracing for another stiff challenge from Zimbabwe in the second Test beginning in Zimbabwe Sunday, as they chase a series win following a frustrating draw in last week’s opener.
Rain robbed West Indies of precious time in the first Test at Queens Sports Club, Zimbabwe surviving a tense final day after being set 272 for victory.
After racking up an impressive 447 in their first innings, West Indies lost control of the game when plucky Zimbabwe rebounded from 192 for seven to reach 379, and Brathwaite said his side expected to encounter that same fighting spirit again.
“We’ve obviously seen Zimbabwe put up a lot of fight, especially with the bat, [on] that day four when Gary (Ballance) scored that magnificent hundred,” Brathwaite pointed out. “It goes to show that Zimbabwe are going to come and fight and it’s not just to come and roll over. “From the start I said we can’t take any team for granted and not Zimbabwe [either]. They may not be number one in the world but in their home conditions they will play well.
“So I think it’s a bit of the same. We have to go in with a clear mindset and just don’t take them for granted.”
West Indies’ batsmen were especially impressive in the opening Test, 26-year-old opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul logging a splendid double century in only his third Test. Brathwaite also scored his 12th Test hundred with a superb 182, combining with Chanderpaul to break West Indies’ three-decade old record for an opening stand set by the legendary pair of Sir Gordon Greenidge and current chief selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes.
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph impressed with three wickets in the first innings while rookie left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie finished with a six-wicket match haul – four coming in the second innings on the final day.
“The [team] atmosphere is very good. The guys are looking forward to this last Test match,” Brathwaite said of the team morale. “The guys have been here for a while, and they look forward to playing some hard Test cricket. “We’re really looking forward to [this Test]. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the full days in the first Test [because of rain] so we’re looking forward to the guys getting out there and having a good all-round game. “The main thing is not taking Zimbabwe for granted.”
West Indies have never lost to Zimbabwe in 11 previous meetings in the longest format.
SQUADS:
WEST INDIES – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas, Jomel Warrican
ZIMBABWE – Craig Ervine (captain), Gary Ballance, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tanaka Chivanga, Bradley Evans, Joylord Gumbie, Innocent Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Kudzai Maunze, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano, Tafadzwa Tsiga
-CMC
