Brathwaite: We’re a marked team
HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC): ll-rounder Carlos Brathwaite believes that West Indies are a marked team at the ICC World Cup Qualifiers, which bowl off this weekend. The Caribbean side are highest-ranked side in the 10team competition, which determines the final two spots at the World Cup next year in England.
Brathwaite conceded that the Windies were the strongest side but said that as a result, there were teams that would be anxious to prove their worth against the two-time former World Cup champs.
“We probably have a target on our backs, and teams will really be game when it comes to playing against us,” said Brathwaite, who was recalled for this series after being dropped a year ago.
“We need to, first, not underestimate any team – I don’t think we will – and, second, we need to do as well we can, perform day in and day out. At the end of the two weeks or so, let’s be raising the cup as champions of the World Cup Qualifier.”
He continued: “I will concede that we’re probably the better team on paper, the team with the most history. But cricket is played on the day. Each and every day we step on the park, we need to act as though we are the best team on paper, act like the best team in the competition, and then have the results to show for it.”
West Indies’ first game in Zimbabwe was less than flattering, crashing to a stunning 29-run defeat under Duckworth/Lewis to Afghanistan in their opening warm-up match on Tuesday.
They will take on ICC World Cricket League Division 2 champion United Arab Emirates in their final warm-up match today.
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