Borde: Darren Bravo back where he belongs

TRINBAGO Knight Riders (TKR) manager Colin Borde is elated to see Darren Bravo return to the West Indies Test team for their two-match series against New Zealand in December, saying he is back “where he belongs.”

Fast bowler Jayden Seales, who had a creditable debut tournament with TKR in the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament has been called up as a Test reserve.

“Both players, one a player that has so many great things still to offer West Indian cricket and the other just starting out his potentially long and fruitful career, are well poised to continue to carve out great moments in their careers,” Borde told Newsday in a Whatsapp message.

In 54 Test matches, Bravo has scored 3,506 runs at an average of 37.69 with eight centuries and 17 fifties. His last Test match for West Indies was in September 2019 against India.

Bravo opted not to tour England in June and July for a three-match Test series due to covid19 concerns.

“It's great to see Darren Bravo return to where he belongs,” Borde said.

“He has had a great CPL and has worked hard over the summer, trained well and is focused.”

Bravo, 31, is heading to New Zealand with form as he was instrumental in guiding TKR to the 2020 Hero CPL title in Trinidad on September 10. Bravo ended as the third leading run scorer in the CPL with 297 runs at an average of 59.40.

The West Indies batting was inconsistent in the England series and the experienced Bravo could be an asset, according to Borde..

“His vast experience at Test level will certainly bring much needed stability to the batting unit. Darren has been to New Zealand already and knows what to expect.”

Bravo’s highest Test score of 218 was achieved against New Zealand in 2014 in New Zealand.

“It's always a very trying series for any touring team and his ability, maturity and knowledge of the game will assist captain Jason Holder both on and off the field.”

Seales, 19, snatched eight wickets in six matches during the CPL. Seales, despite not playing any First Class cricket, has impressed the selectors enough to earn the call-up. He had a strong performance for West Indies Under-19 at the ICC Under-19 50-over World Cup earlier this year.

Borde said it will be a learning experience for Seales and his attitude will help him succeed.

“The experience that young Jayden will get will be invaluable in his growth as a player and human being. For such a young man, his discipline is already evident as we experienced during CPL. His work ethic and willingness to learn and grow is just as important as his skill.”

Borde said TKR are “immensely proud of their selection.”

The first Test match between West Indies and New Zealand will bowl off on December 3 in New Zealand. Prior to the Test series the teams will play in a three-match T20 series from November 27 to 30. TKR captain Kieron Pollard and vice-captain Dwayne Bravo are in the squad with the former serving as Windies captain.