West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite insists his team will not underestimate Bangladesh despite historical success. Both teams prepare for a crucial Test series, with Brathwaite emphasizing lessons from past competitions and the importance of current form. Stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz expresses confidence in their younger team, despite the absence of senior players.
In preparations for their upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite emphasized the importance of not underestimating the visiting team, despite their historical dominance over Bangladesh in home Tests. Brathwaite acknowledged that Bangladesh last secured a Test series win in the Caribbean fifteen years ago, with the West Indies achieving successful sweeps in their two most recent series. However, he conveyed that past results will not influence the upcoming matches, asserting that the present is what truly matters. He stated, “Everything that is gone is history. We are playing against a talented Bangladesh team. What is gone is gone and obviously we have to come tomorrow and start well in whatever we do.”
Brathwaite highlighted the need for his players to perform at their best, especially noting that some batters had demonstrated positive form in the recent Regional Super50 competition. He expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities, stating that they have crucial points at stake for the World Test Championship and emphasized the positive mood within the camp despite a challenging year. He remarked, “I think the batters are in a good space. A few of the guys would have played in the Super50 and got some scores so that was good to see and it’s just all about that belief”.
On the other side, Bangladesh’s stand-in captain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, mentioned that although they are missing key players, the team remains motivated and focused on performing well. He stated, “We are practicing a lot and we have been working hard…We are missing some senior players. It’s been tough but we still believe that we can be better. We have a good side right now, young players coming up and they have the opportunity to perform in these conditions”.
The West Indies cricket team has a historical upper hand over Bangladesh, particularly in Test matches played in the Caribbean. This advantage has contributed to a perception of dominance; however, the current captain Kraigg Brathwaite is prioritizing respect for the opposing team’s abilities as they prepare for a new series. The West Indies’ experiences in the World Test Championship and ongoing performance in regional competitions add another layer of significance to the matches ahead.
The upcoming Test series between the West Indies and Bangladesh is set to be a critical encounter. With the West Indies determined to respect their opponents and focus on their own performances, both teams will aim to translate their preparation into measurable success on the field. The contrasting sentiments of optimism from both captains underscore a competitive spirit that could lead to an exciting series.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
