***Official*** West Indies Tour of the UK 2017

[TestMatch]

From Band Bajan: Seven players from Barbados helped West Indies shock England | The Indian Express :

"AS A child, Kraigg Brathwaite was scrawny and puny. And he would often get picked on and bullied in the school bus. Brathwaite, however, had protection. He had Rihanna. The future pop sensation was four years older than her Combermere schoolmate and would board the bus from the same stop in St Michael. Rihanna, then simply Robyn Fenty, would not only put Brathwaite on her lap; she would also beat up any kid who dared to bother the future West Indies opener.

Rihanna didn’t stop looking out for Brathwaite long after they’d both passed out of school. In fact, the fashion diva provided front-row seats to not just Brathwaite, who was the West Indies under-19 captain then, but the entire team for her concert in the USA when they were there for a camp before the junior World Cup in 2012.

Brathwaite, now 24, has grown taller with time. But he still possesses one of the slightest frames going around in international cricket. Over the last five days, he was up against some of the meanest bullies with ball in hand at England’s favourite bullying ground. But Brathwaite didn’t need any saving against the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes at Headingley. He was the one saving the West Indies and their legacy."

 

[mr_mister]

That's so random and awesome

 

[vcs]

Maybe he could express his gratitude by teaching her to sing

 

[WindieWeathers]

That's so random and awesome

Yeah, Chris Jordan and Carlos Brathwaite also knew her aswell apparently.

 

[WindieWeathers]

Anyway, we've got a two day warm-up game tomorrow. The question is who do we pick considering we've only got a 15 man squad? Personally, I'd be inclined to rest some players tbh.

Kyle Hope
Powell
Hetmyer
Chase
Blackwood
Reifer
Dowrich wk
Holder
Bishoo
Cummins
Joseph

I think it's best to rest Kraigg, Shai, Roach and Gabriel after their heroics in this last test and give some fringe players a chance. Would like to see Hetty, Dowrich and the openers get some runs and gain some confidence. Also want to see Bishoo and Holder get some wickets too.

 

[fredfertang]

Got your wish with Dowrich - don't really understand why the selectors gave Brathwaite and Shai Hope a chance to play themselves out of form

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

Perfect opportunity for Hetmyer and Dowrich to get some runs.

 

[SillyCowCorner1]

What a century for Shimron. Run a ball.

 

[Daemon]

I suppose that pretty much ends Kyle Hope's tour. His only other hope was if Powell failed but he hasn't.

 

[WindieWeathers]

Got your wish with Dowrich - don't really understand why the selectors gave Brathwaite and Shai Hope a chance to play themselves out of form

Yeah, I don't think it was the brightest idea but with this being a two day game I doubt the boys are that fussed about it tbh. Both Kraigg and Shai have set a standard and we can only hope that they will be right up for it again next thursday. I was hoping Chase would have got a few runs but I just pray he's got another big innings in him in the next test as there's no doubt he's been a revelation for us over the past year or so.

Dowrich scoring a ton is encouraging. The boy has real class and is only 25 so is still developing. Just want him to take his batting to the next level and get a few tons now. And lastly what can I say about young Hetmyer? When he gets going he really is a remarkable talent and simply thrilling to watch. He has all the shots in the book but young enthusiasm can sometimes get the better of him. From a developmental point of view taking him on this tour has been great because playing a couple of matches on these pitches will have been a good learning experience for him. Against Pakistan he didn't do that great but in all three tests he actually got in and scored 20 or above. So that's a good sign that he consistently got in but he just needs to carry on from there which I guess will come with time. 128 not out in this game now puts the heat on the coaches. Do they change a winning team? Well Kyle Hope hasn't done much so it's something to think about. On one hand I want to protect Hetymer at this early stage of his career, but on the other hand this last test could be the making of the young man if he plays to his potential. I think Law and co are gonna have to have a long think about it. Regardless though, Hetty is the future of our batting and I just want to see the young man return to the Caribbean, have a good first class season and continue to knock on the test team door. All in all it was a great fightback from the lads and hopefully Joseph, Bishoo and Cummins will bowl well tomorrow.

 

[Midwinter]

That was a good comeback from 5/64

 

[TimAngas]

So Hetmyer at 3?
Dowrich was never in doubt anyway but good to see him making some runs after a bad run on the tour so far. I think people seriously underrate this guys batting. A super gutsy 70 on debut up the order against Starc, Johnson and Hazlewood who were running riot. This time last year he saved a test match with a 74 against India. He then guided WI to their first away win, other than in Bangladesh since 2009 with a 60*, and helped rescue WI from 5/71 with a 56 against Amir and Yasir Shah in the return leg earlier this year.

 

[Spark]

Even if it's a warm-up game, 128 off 120 coming in at 5 for not many is eye-catching.

 

[mr_mister]

so excited for this upcoming test, perhaps moreso than aus-bang even


Hope they draw a big windies crowd

 

[Arachnodouche]

I was watching random old West Indian clips on youtube today morning before work. The current team should be made to watch those before every international game. How can you not be inspired?

 

[Riggins]

Anyone interesting going on Friday? I might be in the area.

 

[Spikey]

sorry can't make it

 

[Daemon]

Anyone interesting going on Friday? I might be in the area.

Interested

 

[pdsubraa]

I am for Windies! All the best Windies!

 

[Dan]

Anyone interesting going on Friday? I might be in the area.

Give me a lift and sure.