MELBOURNE, Australia, CMC – All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has praised the West Indies’ fightback but believes it will take a “monumental effort” in order to avoid defeat to Australia in the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Windies ended the third day yesterday trailing by 459 runs, after being dismissed for 271 in response to the Aussies’ mammoth first innings total of 551 for three declared.
Batting a second time, Australia reached 179 for three at the close to pile even more pressure on the Windies.
“From a team point of view, I was happy with the fight that we showed,” said Brathwaite, who is playing in his debut Test.
“Ultimately, the game is still very, very far out of our hands and it will take a monumental effort to bring ourselves back into the game, even in trying to draw it or win it but that’s a challenge we’ll look at tomorrow.”
Brathwaite played a key role in the Windies resistance on yesterday’s third day, stroking a positive 59 in a 90-run seventh wicket stand with left-hander Darren Bravo, who top-scored with 81.
The partnership hauled the Caribbean side around from a precarious position of 91 for six at the start.
Bizarrely, Brathwaite was given two lives – on 13 and on 50 – after fast bowler James Pattinson dismissed him twice with front-foot no-balls.
He said his plan initially was to be aggressive but after the first let-off – bowled missing a big heave – he settled down to play carefully.
“Personally, I was a bit fortunate … and I am just happy I could contribute to a fighting day’s performance,” the 27-year-old told reporters.
“And I hope that the fans in the West Indies can get to put a smile back on their faces so they can realise we’re not just here for being here sake and we actually want to compete and do well.”
He added: “[I was trying] to be a bit aggressive and get on top of the bowling. Obviously it didn’t work first up so I decided to take the other approach and try to stick it out there. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to bat the full session and then help Bravo to a milestone which is a disappointment for myself.”
West Indies produced a horror showing in the Hobart first Test to lose by an innings and 212 runs and also struggled on the first two days of the current encounter, allowing Australia to pile up in excess of 500 for the second straight game.
However, Brathwaite said despite the poor results on tour, the Windies team spirit remained high and players were continuing to work hard behind the scenes.
“I think the team spirit is there. Fortunately for me, I see it day in day out, the way we train … the way we operate off the field,” the Barbadian pointed out.
“When performances aren’t going well, it is difficult to see energy and how hard guys work, and I don’t think the wider public is seeing the effort we put in, which is unfortunate.
“I’m sure once the performances start to come, that everyone can get a look at the true West Indies team and see how hard we work for each other, one, and two, for the fans to put a smile back on their face.”
