Windies preparing for Test series with ‘purpose’

COMPETITIVE cricket made a welcome return at Emirates Old Trafford as the touring West Indies squad ramped up preparations for next month’s Test series against England with an entertaining first day of intrasquad rivalry.

The coronavirus crisis has led to a three-month shutdown of the global game and no top level matches since the Pakistan Super League was suspended in mid-March, with the international calendar moving one step closer to resuming behind closed doors in Manchester.

This three-day outing will not go down as a first-class encounter – with the tourists naming all 25 players across the two sides and wearing coloured training kits, shorts and hoodies rather than pristine whites – but the quality of the contest made it a worthy occasion.

The team captained by Kraigg Brathwaite made 275 against opposition led by Test skipper Jason Holder, whose side finished things in rapid fashion at the close with five wickets in 31 balls.

Brathwaite and Shai Hope did the bulk of the scoring, making 84 and 83 respectively, recalling their shared triumph in the famous chase at Headingley three years ago.

Both have been light on runs recently but settled to their task well, Brathwaite typically dogged and careful, while Hope found his flourish following a slow start.

Just as important was the sight of Shannon Gabriel charging in on his way to figures of three for 32.

The Trinidadian is still officially listed among 11 reserves for the three-match series due to a recent ankle injury, but he looked well on the way to full health. Alzarri Joseph also caught the eye, finishing with four for 60 as he wrapped up the tail.

“The intensity was there from ball one. Everyone was playing with a purpose,” Brathwaite said.

“Our job is to go out and play cricket so, as a batsman, there is nothing like being out there in the middle. I was very thankful for the chance to go out and play.”