Brathwaite: This is not a 'second string' side
Despite some of the players not making their debut yet, their skipper is confident about their ability to play good cricket.
The Windies team arrived in Bangladesh earlier this week to play Test and ODI series against Bangladesh starting from January 20. Majority of their main eleven players opted out showing safety and personal concerns. Their ODI skipper, Kraigg Brathwaite however doesn't think this is a second string side and have all the capabilities to put up good fight against a stronger Bangladesh side.
Despite some of the players not making their debut yet, their skipper is confident about their ability to play good cricket.
"I don't see the guys here as second string. I think they can perform and do well at the international level. I know they are looking for the opportunity," Brathwaite said.
"I want to lead from the front as a leader. It is my job as an opening batsman to get runs and build a foundation for the team," the skipper announced his hunger both as a captain and an opening batsman.
Brathwaite believes this series will be different than the previous two tours they had after the Covid break. He wants to keep improving as a batsman in different conditions.
'These are completely two different conditions. I think the principles still remains, in terms of batsmanship. For me, being balanced at the crease is the key whether I am playing spin and pace. It was decent in England, there was improvement in New Zealand as well," Brathwaite added.
The Windies team will start practicing from Friday after completing their isolation. He wants to take time to get going after coping with the different environment.
"On the first day back on the field, you have to get familiar with the atmosphere. You probably do some physical work, to get the lungs going. You don't want to go too hard. I think it would just be a generalised session, to get everything going. From day two or day three, you will be pushing yourself extra," Brathwaite said.
Brathwaite believes the hunger among the players will help to win matches even with this weaker squad.
"I know the guys are very hungry for success. I know they'd do anything to get success, and if that happens from a batting and bowling point of view, it will help the team to win."
The skipper also thinks it will be a bit of advantage with an inexperienced side as the opponent have no clue about them whatsoever.
The series will begin with ODIs at Mirpur on January 20.
