Opening batsman, Kriagg Brathwaite has stated he is not under any pressure ahead of West Indies three-Test series versus England and is keenly focused on the job ahead.
The 27-year-old spoke to the media via virtual press conference yesterday where he stated, “I look forward to any series against England what I’m focused on is obviously doing my job for the team one I do my job for the team, build the foundation and that’s all I’m focusing on.”
When asked if there was any added pressure stemming from the comments made by head coach, Phil Simmons on the batting department needing to come good coupled with him going more than 20 innings without a half century he posited, “No added pressure, you can’t always do well as I said I know my role so for me is just focused on going out there and focusing on each ball and building that foundation for my team.”
The right hander added, “obviously the batting didn’t do well the last couple of innings so otherwise, I’m up for the challenge.”
Additionally, Brathwaite reckoned the absence of Shimron Hetmyer and Darren Bravo does not add pressure but vested his confidence in the guys selected.
“[I’m] Not feeling extra pressure, I know all the guys here can do well I’m starting the innings and I’m just going to do my job simple as that. I’m confident in each player in the series, each batsman and I know we have a good batting line up and guys are ready and rearing to go so no added pressure,” he stated.
Looking at the need to take the proverbial bull by the horn along with his opening partner, John Campbell, the Barbados-born stroke maker opined, “I’m confident, myself and John have a good relationship and I know we will do well, just got to stick to our plans for long periods and enjoy it that’s the bottom line. England is a lovely place to play cricket, you get value for your runs…I know we are looking forward to it.”
Brathwaite, who has eight centuries with a best of 212 under his belt went on to posit the key to batsmen doing well is “you just got to be disciplined put away the bad balls…you just got to keep it simple…”
