Kraigg Brathwaite’s batting form has become a pressing concern for West Indies ahead of the third Test in Jamaica. After another underwhelming performance in Grenada, West Indies coach Daren Sammy confirmed that a serious discussion would take place regarding the opener’s place in the playing XI.
Pressure Mounts After Another Low-Scoring Test
Brathwaite recorded scores of 0 and 7 in Grenada, following 4 and 4 in Barbados. In his last 35 Test innings, he has averaged just 18.68 with only three half-centuries. His 100th Test turned out to be forgettable, and Sammy admitted the lack of impact from the senior batter added to the team’s struggles.
“Kraigg Brathwaite’s batting form hasn’t looked good this series,” Sammy stated. “We will discuss this with the selectors and captain before the Jamaica Test.”
West Indies Batting Collapse Highlights Concerns
Despite decent starts by the bowlers, West Indies collapsed to 143 in their fourth innings, chasing 277. Australia’s relentless fast bowling exposed the fragile top order again. Although Shamar Joseph’s late hitting gave a temporary lift, it could not hide the deeper issues in the batting lineup.
Sammy accepted that Australia’s world-class bowling on challenging pitches proved too much for his young and developing unit. However, he insisted that patience is needed as these players adapt to the demands of Test cricket.
Technical Challenges and Pitch Conditions
Improved first-class pitches were also deemed necessary for nurturing technically sound batters. Sammy cited the lack of Caribbean players averaging 40+ in domestic cricket as a result of inconsistent playing surfaces, which often breed uncertainty rather than confidence.
To solve this, a broader structural change is underway involving franchise systems and ground staff, aiming to provide conditions that support better batting development.
Bowling Remains a Bright Spot
Despite the defeat, Sammy praised the bowling attack, which took all 40 Australian wickets across two Tests. He noted this hasn’t happened often against a top-three team. West Indies will now prepare for the day-night Test at Sabina Park, hoping the bowlers maintain their form.
