Bravo’s patient play a key factor in West Indies grip on series

Prior to the second Test against England in Antigua last weekend, stroke-maker Darren Bravo had struck eight hundreds and 16 half-centuries in the longest format.

Arguably though, none were perhaps as important as his 17th half-century – an even 50 -in the first innings at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, which laid the foundation for the hosts’ 119-run lead and gave them the impetus to go and complete an emphatic 10-wicket win and historic series victory.

“I wasn’t sure exactly how important it was actually until the end of the game, to be honest,” Bravo said in a recent interview.

“I just wanted to bat for as long as possible. I know the wicket wasn’t an easy one to bat on but I tried to bat as long as possible and tried to build whatever meaningful partnership with the other batters at the other end.

The elegant left-hander dispensed of his usual flair in favour of graft and cautious on a difficult surface, facing 216 balls in just shy of 5-¾ hours at the crease.

Bravo came to the crease on the second day of the match with the Windies on 133 for two but watched as three wickets tumbled in quick succession for 22 runs.

He then anchored key partnership until he was last out, about half-hour before lunch on the third day.

West Indies face England in the third and final Test of the series in St Lucia starting Saturday.