Kraigg Brathwaite talks about loss in the West Indies vs South Africa 2nd Test

The second Test between the West Indies and South Africa can be described as a low-scoring thriller, especially when compared to the rain-affected first Test. Ultimately, it was the South African team that emerged victorious. Despite having more than two full days remaining, the West Indies fell short in their chase of 263 runs, being dismissed for 223 and losing by 40 runs. West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite reflected on the match with a mix of satisfaction and frustration. He noted that while his team performed well to dismiss South Africa for just 160 in their first innings, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Brathwaite regretted not being able to dismiss the South African tail earlier, as the last wicket partnership between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger added a crucial 63 runs. This last-wicket stand proved to be significant, as it contributed to the challenging target the West Indies faced.

The match was a test of resilience and strategy, with both teams battling the conditions and each other. Despite their efforts, the West Indies fell short in their run chase, highlighting the fine margins in Test cricket where every run and wicket can make a substantial difference. Brathwaite’s reflections underscore the complexity and intensity of the game, capturing both the positives and the missed opportunities that defined the second Test.

"Yeah, if you look at it, obviously it was quite big. But bowling them out for 160, I was happy. That partnership for them was, was good. You know, it's cricket where partnerships do happen. So, I won't really stress on that too much," stated West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite. 

Kraigg Brathwaite expressed significant regret over the score his team managed in their first innings, feeling that securing a lead was a basic expectation that the batting unit failed to meet. He highlighted that the inadequate performance with the bat in the first innings was a major factor contributing to the West Indies’ inability to chase down the target in the second innings. Brathwaite felt that the failure to capitalize on their opportunity to build a substantial lead was a crucial miss, ultimately impacting their performance in the match.

Once he had finished reflecting on these missed opportunities and the "what-ifs," Brathwaite shifted his focus to the positive aspects that emerged from their recent Test performances. He reviewed the various strengths and improvements observed during their red-ball campaign, recognizing the progress and potential within the team. Despite the disappointment of falling short in the second Test, Brathwaite acknowledged that there were valuable takeaways from the matches that could serve as a foundation for future success. This balanced perspective allowed Brathwaite to appreciate the progress made while also addressing areas that need improvement. By focusing on the positives, he aimed to build on the team's strengths and address weaknesses as they prepared for future challenges in Test cricket.

"As I said, the future is very bright for our fast bowling unit, and we've still got Kemar Roach, with loads of experience on it. You know, he still has a lot of Test matches left in him. So it's very exciting. But I must say, I'm very excited about the batting unit. I really think the lineup we have, can do the job. And obviously, I've been asking for more Test matches. We had five on the back. And yes, we didn't come out with guys averaging above 50. So, I am excited for the fast bowlers, but I really believe that this top five can do a good job for the West Indies. So, we just got to keep believing," added Brathwaite.