BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Darren Bravo said he was guided by a strong sense of responsibility during his match-winning knock, which helped West Indies stun England by five wickets in the third Test which finished Sunday in Barbados.
The stylish left-hander struck a top score of 82 as West Indies, set 192 for victory, coasted to their target late on the third day at Kensington Oval.
“I just went out there in a positive frame of mind and I knew I had to bat long being one of the senior batters in the team,” Bravo said.
“Obviously we were in a spot of bother when we lost Shiv (Chanderpaul) at that crucial period but (Jermaine) Blackwood and myself handled the pressure nicely and were able to have a very good partnership which obviously made things easier for us coming down to the end.”
He added: “The ball was bouncing and turning and some were keeping low and there was a lot of deterioration after just three days of a Test match but having said that, I just backed myself and I am happy I was able to contribute to the win.”
Bravo arrived at the crease 50 minutes after lunch but then watched as West Indies lost opener Kraigg Brathwaite for 25 soon afterward and Marlon Samuels for 20 just before tea, to leave the Windies on 70 for three at the break.
When Chanderpaul perished to the first ball of the second over after tea, West Indies were 80 for four and in need of something special and Bravo stepped up.
He struck seven fours and three sixes off 148 balls in 3-1/2 hours at the crease, adding a crucial 108 for the fifth wicket with Blackwood who stroked a massively important, unbeaten 47 off 104 deliveries.
Bravo said despite the state of the game, he was determined to play his natural game once the opportunity presented itself.
“I wasn’t taking anything for granted … but I backed myself. I told myself once the ball comes in my zone, I will play my shots. I knew that my defence would have been very important and I backed my ability to the end,” he explained.
“I want to say well done to Blackwood and congratulations to the entire team. Obviously we didn’t bat well in the first innings so we knew we had to put up a very big effort where the bowling was concerned.
“It is a really good feeling knowing we went in this series as the underdogs so to come out with a 1-1 draw I can safely say it feels like a win for us.”
