West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite acknowledged the challenging conditions his team faced in the first Test against Pakistan but emphasized the need for better adaptability in the upcoming second Test. He admitted that Pakistan had prepared a dry, spinning pitch from the start but stated it was their prerogative. Brathwaite urged his team to improve and approach the next match with greater determination.
Despite the tough conditions, Brathwaite took positives from the match, highlighting the performance of left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, whose remarkable 7 for 32 in the second innings were the third-best figures by a visiting bowler in Pakistan. He also praised Alick Athanaze, whose 55 in the fourth innings was the team’s highest score, showcasing that scoring was possible with the right approach.
Brathwaite pointed out that the margin of defeat did not reflect a vast difference between the two sides. West Indies’ scores of 137 and 123 were not far from Pakistan’s second innings total of 157, with a crucial 141-run fifth-wicket partnership between Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan making the difference. He stressed that improving their first-innings bowling and top-order batting would be key to turning things around.
Looking ahead, Brathwaite believes his team must bat with greater intent and consistency, suggesting that the top six should be capable of batting at least a full session. He hinted that a more aggressive approach, including the use of reverse sweeps and proactive shot-making, could help counter Pakistan’s spinners.
With the second Test set to take place in Multan on January 25, Brathwaite remains hopeful that with improved execution, West Indies can challenge Pakistan more effectively and push for a better result.
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