Bravo calls for support for WI Test squad

Bravo was speaking during an interview at Brian Lara’s residence at Lady Chancellor Hill, St Ann’s last Thursday, ahead of Friday’s exhibition T20 match at the Brian Lara Academy in Tarouba.

“I think the guys who are there deserve to be there,” said the 33-year-old Bravo.

“Those are the guys who are available for selection. They play in the domestic Four- Day competition. They have been playing well so it’s good to give them the opportunity.” The West Indies, under the captaincy of Jason Holder, lost a pair of three-Test series against Pakistan by 2-1 margins - away last October-November and at home in April- May.

“A lot of the senior guys have moved on,” continued the ex-WI One Day International (ODI) captain. “I’ve retired from Test cricket, (Darren) Sammy is retired, Chris Gayle as you can see is down in age.” Concerning the availability of the seasoned WI campaigners for Test duties, Bravo commented, “a lot of people are saying the senior players are no longer interested in playing for the West Indies. That is far from the truth. The fact is that we’re just not available to play in that format. So I think Jason and those guys, you’ve got to give them the opportunity to play as much as possible.

“I think, over the years, the shuffling of the team is its downfall so give them a good opportunity, give them a good run. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

The test would come against the other teams so let’s not rush the brush.” Bravo has been involved with the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. He played with Mumbai Indians (2008-2010), Chennai Super Kings (2011-2015) and Gujarat Lions (2016) but had to miss this year’s edition due to a hamstring injury he sustained during a stint in the Australian Big Bash League with Melbourne Renegades last December.

“My recovery is going good,” he admitted.

“It’s really hard work.

I’ve been doing therapy three times a day. It’s really tough. It’s a very serious injury but the surgery was successful I must say. I’m closer to playing than before, so that was a positive.” Bravo acknowledged, “missing the IPL is hurtful moreso, apart from my biggest pay-cheque, the fans (were) really looking forward to seeing me there again. I gave myself the best opportunity to play. I have to respect my body and trust my mind and my instincts. So I felt the time wasn’t right so I (came) back home to continue my rehab.

“I’ve’ been training every day at the Queen’s Park Oval, with the Queen’s Park cricket team. I follow the IPL, I follow the success of the guys - (Lendl) Simmons, (Kieron) Pollard, (Sunil) Narine, all the guys who are doing well. I keep in contact with them all the time so it’s good to see them doing well,” he ended.