Brathwaite’s bat gives Windies cause for pride
CARLOS Brathwaite hit them dead out of the middle yesterday but to be fair, he has only himself to blame when he doesn’t.
That’s because the giant West Indian debutant, who wears a wristwatch the size of a clock, is not just a run-maker but a bat-maker – and most likely the only one in world cricket.
Brathwaite is relatively late to Test cricket at 27 years of age, but off the field he’s an impressive entrepreneur and owner of up-and-coming bat manufacturer Trident Sports.
A ruptured knee threatened to end the former express quick’s career two years ago, but what he’s sacrificed in pace he’s picked up in run-scoring as he transformed into an allround cricketer.
Brathwaite might not need a bat sponsor, but he will be hoping his brilliant half century against Australia earns him a few new clients as he looks to build a business which at this stage supplies for junior Caribbean cricketers and some players in the Windies’ women’s team.
Sporting a logo inspired by the trident on the Barbados flag, Brathwaite used his selfmade bat much like a threepronged spear on day three, as he made a name for himself at the MCG and breathed some much-needed life into the Windies’ tour.
“Ultimately I want for (the company) to stand on its own two feet. By that I mean for it to be a noticeable brand worldwide. It’s a Caribbean company so I hope to conquer that market first may I say, but eventually I’d like to broaden my horizon and be an internationally respected cricket brand,” said Brathwaite.
“Everyone in Australia, Trident Sports is the brand to use.”
Brathwaite fired with bat and ball yesterday, but it was his celebration of David Warner’s wicket that will live long on highlight reels, as a collision with Jason Holder forced his captain to trip over before he himself signed off with a soccer-like slide across the grass.
“I just tried to get the slide, Jason came and I tried to give him the touch and he almost tipped me up,” said Brathwaite.
Fellow West Indian Chris Gayle might be showing off a golden blade in the Big Bash, but Brathwaite is the real trailblazer – a driven professional, a committed Caribbean cricketer and a big presence amongst his teammates.
Commentators yesterday couldn’t stop talking about the flashy watch that glistened above his left glove.
If Casio aren’t sponsoring him already they should think about jumping on board based on the exposure he gave their Baby G shock collection – which he says is for practicality, not fashion.
As West Indies legend Gordon Greenidge famously said, “wearing a watch helps with timing”.
And yesterday Brathwaite had plenty of it.
After surviving a hat-trick attempt by Peter Siddle as the first ball he ever faced in Test cricket, Brathwaite was then almost run out when partner Darren Bravo, looking to avoid the strike, had no interest in running a regulation three.
Lady luck shone on him for James Pattinson’s two wickettaking no balls, but overall his against-the-odds knock of 59 off 126 oozed class as his 90run stand with Bravo finally gave the Windies something to be proud of.
However, walking to the crease at 6-83 chasing 551 is nothing compared to the adversity Brathwaite has overcome to make his Test debut at the MCG.
Doctors dreaded the impact a full knee reconstruction would have on a man his size, but Brathwaite defied the odds.
At this stage, Brathwaite’s company can’t afford to pay his West Indian teammates to use his bats, but that day may come.