West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite has emphasised the need for his team to play more Test cricket, especially as they prepare to face England in the second Test at Trent Bridge.
After suffering a crushing innings and 114-run defeat at Lord's last week, Brathwaite stressed the importance of frequent Test matches for improvement.
"Playing more frequently helps us learn faster," Brathwaite stated at the pre-match press conference. "We need more tests to develop and compete at the highest level."
The disparity between the teams extends beyond their recent on-field performances. England, one of the 'Big Three' cricketing nations alongside India and Australia, have a packed Test schedule with 17 fixtures this year. In contrast, the West Indies have only nine.
Brathwaite expressed his frustration with the limited opportunities, urging cricket authorities to schedule more tests for his team. "I hope those in charge can fit in five or six more Test matches for us per year," he added.
As the West Indies look to bounce back, a key focus will be on their batting. They were dismissed for just 121 and 136 at Lord's, with Brathwaite himself scoring only 10 runs in total. Reflecting on the performance, he emphasised the need for improvement. "We've got to bat a lot better. We need to put runs on the board and keep learning," he said.
The second Test at Trent Bridge presents a crucial opportunity for the West Indies to demonstrate their resilience and skill.
