Boynes salutes Bravo, Ramdin

The Trinidad and Tobago duo of 22-year-old Bravo and 20-year-old Ramdin shared an inspiring seventh-wicket partnership of 182, the second best-ever seventh-wicket stand by the West Indies in Tests, with Bravo hitting 113 and Ramdin a Test-best 71.

"Bravo and Ramdin have demonstrated passion and vigour for the game and an eagerness to win that will undoubtedly translate into improved performances by their older, more experienced teammates," Boynes pointed out.

‘‘Bravo has proved himself a confident batting all-rounder who is now a team leader in the fielding department," Boynes said. "Ramdin has been praised for his temperament behind the wicket and is eliciting comparison to former West Indies gloveman Jeff Dujon. "We also extended encouragement to batting star Brian Lara who has been subject to, what appear to be, dubious decisions on the field of play," continued Boynes. "Do not be daunted but strive to achieve the goals you have set for yourself for this Test series.

"To the captain, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and the rest of the team in Australia, we are confident that you will overcome the challenges you face," the minister noted.

"We are behind you all the way as you head into the third and final Test match in Adelaide on Friday."