The last time Darren Bravo touched his Test kit was on November 3, 2016, in the United Arab Emirates. Now the left-hander will have to find it in Santa Cruz, dust it off and show up on January 23 at the Kensington Oval, Barbados to battle the old enemy England in the Wisden Test series.
T&T left-handed batsman after his troubles with the administration has been recalled to the Windies Test team for the upcoming battle with the Queen's men.
His offensive tweet against the president of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Dave Cameron forgotten, the Queen's Park player now has to focus on putting his head down and getting it out of the way of throat high bumpers on what is expected to be a fast Kensington Oval track.
His manager at Queen's Park Cricket Club Jeffrey Guillen says that one must not expect miracles from him, as he is now getting back into the Test set up. "He has been away from the Test scene for quite a while and also has not played much First Class cricket. We cannot expect miracles from him but he is back and we know the class player he is and he will do well. The Windies batting line up has not set the world on fire, so he is needed and although he has not spent a long time in the middle, he has the experience to produce the goods."
Meanwhile, he brings back into the team with him Alzari Joseph, whose pace has been up and he has been in wicket-taking form in the West Indies Four-Day championship.
The selectors have named an exciting squad balancing players who have performed strongly in recent Tests with players who have been recalled or called up for the first time due to recent performances.
Two uncapped players will be thrilled to join the squad ahead of this great rivalry: John Campbell the 26-year-old left-handed opening batsman and Shamarh Brooks the 30-year-old right-handed middle-order batsman. Fast bowler Oshane Thomas has been named as a cover for Joseph, who is making a comeback from injury.
Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne said: “After a difficult Test Series in Bangladesh late last year the opportunity presents itself for our team to pick itself up. Although a tough series against England is anticipated, home turf has always been a place where our team has made strides.”
Browne added: “With the return of Darren Bravo, who will add value to a batting department, we expect to see marked improvement. Young, exciting, fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who was sidelined by injury, returns to the squad and Shamarh Brooks has been elevated for his solid first-class performances over the last three years. John Campbell the incumbent ‘A’ team opener, who has played first-class cricket for a number of years will open the batting after a good first-class season in 2018. The panel takes this opportunity to wish captain Jason Holder and his team all the best in the upcoming series.”
CEO Johnny Grave added: “The Wisden Trophy has got incredible history and the West Indies have got a proud record to defend. England has only won one Test Series on West Indies soil in 50 years. We hope that our fans will once again become the team’s twelfth man and rally to create the noise and colour that gives the squad the support they deserve and register a win in what will be a great battle.”
Tickets are on sale at local ticket booths in Barbados and online at windiescricket.com via the “BuyTickets” button.
Antigua Test match tickets go on sale at ticket booths from January 21.
St. Lucia Test match tickets go on sale at ticket booths from January 28.
FULL SQUAD
Jason Holder (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican.
NOTE: Oshane Thomas has been called up as cover for Alzarri Joseph
Match Schedule
1st Test: Kensington Oval – Jan 23-27
2nd Test: Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground – Jan 31 to Feb 4
3rd Test: Daren Sammy Cricket Ground – Feb 9-13