Oval debut for Bravo

TRINIDADIAN all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is set to make his first Test appearance at his home ground when West Indies take on South Africa in the second Digicel Test at Queen’s Park Oval starting tomorrow at 10 am. Bravo made his Test debut against England on the West Indies tour to the UK last year. In the four Test matches played in that series, he bowled many lively spells and emerged as the most outstanding bowler. In his short career, Bravo has taken 16 wickets at 26.18 each.

And he was part of the victorious WI team which lifted the ICC Champions Trophy. Since his return to the Caribbean last year, the Queen’s Park cricketer injured his hamstring muscle in a charity match in Barbados prior to the President’s Cup in October and missed out on the action. He played in the VB Triangular Series in Australia but missed most of the 2005 Carib Beer Cricket Series. He did not bowl much because of a peculiar right shoulder problem. The 21-year-old all-rounder, however, has bowled for the Parkites in a Division One match and again in the Noel Guillen Under-21 semi-final encounter at the Diego Martin recreation ground.

Having been recalled to the WI team coach Bennet King is looking forward to Bravo to strengthen his three-pronged pace attack which comprise Pedro Collins, Darren Powell and Reon King. King pointed out that Bravo is ready. “He has hit some pretty good areas today and his fitness is always good. We are expecting him to be one of our front line bowlers,” an upbeat King said. All-rounder Ryan Hinds who was expected to support the bowlers with his left-arm variety, was ruled out of tomorrow’s Test after being laid low with a viral illness. In his place, Donovon Pagon who had an impressive Test debut in Guyana, with a polished 35, is expected to retain his place. Pagon trained with the squad yesterday.

Former captain Brian Lara also participated in yesterday’s rigorous session and traveled with the team bus back to the Marriot Courtyard Hotel where they were expected to cool down in the pool and then prepare for a reception hosted by new series sponsors Digicel. Asked to comment on his bowling combination for the Test, King said: “It is the responsibility of the bowler to get the opposition out. And we shouldn’t need more than four bowlers to get the job done.” Pressed further whether he is confident with his bowling resources and their ability to get 20 wickets to win the Test, King was adamant: “Yes, to win a Test match, you need to take 20 wickets. With the side that we have picked, I am confident that they can get the job done for us.” King is very optimistic of  WI chances of beating the  South Africans at the Oval.