Mentality below the microscope, laments Brathwaite

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite has questioned his facet’s mentality after they crashed to a heavy 284-run defeat inside 4 days of the decisive second Take a look at towards South Africa.

The Caribbean facet dismissed the hosts for 321 of their second innings on Saturday however then crumbled spectacularly for 106, after being set an unbelievable goal of 391 on the Wanderers.

Wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva top-scored with 34 however was the one participant to go 20 and one in every of solely three inside the highest eight to achieve double figures.

“It’s solely psychological,” stated a solemn-faced Brathwaite, moments after the batting capitulation.

“I feel technically sure, we will work on the issues. So the factor is, you’ll be able to work in your weaknesses, you’ll be able to work in your strengths however your thoughts must be in the suitable place.

“Take a look at cricket is all the time a grind. You subject numerous overs after which as a batsman, you exit and clearly face world-class bowling. It’ll by no means be simple however I feel that perception has to return inside.”

He continued: “We will say it – I can say it, the coach can say it – however after we get on the market on the crease we’ve received to do it.

“We’ve executed it earlier than. It’s to not say we haven’t executed it. We’ve executed nicely towards England at residence and in England.

“In opposition to Australia, we didn’t get the runs that we wish and coming right here once more. [Against] Zimbabwe we did nicely however that’s completely different opposition. I feel after we’re [up] towards the highest bowlers on this planet, we’ve received to indicate that we’re high batsmen and we haven’t executed that.”

Solely two batsmen managed over 100 runs within the sequence – vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood with 126 and all-rounder Jason Holder with 116. They have been two of solely three batsmen with half-centuries, the opposite being all-rounder Raymon Reifer.

Kyle Mayers (54), Roston Chase (50), and Brathwaite (46) all struggled all through the sequence leaving the spine of West Indies’ batting lacking.

Kraigg Brathwaite stated whereas it was encouraging to see his bowlers take 20 wickets in every Take a look at, the plain situation remained the shortage of run-scoring.

“Trying again, the bowlers received 40 wickets within the sequence,” Brathwaite identified.

“That’s a great accomplishment getting back from Australia. [There were] two questionable first innings. We didn’t begin nearly as good as we must always [have] – we gave them over 100 runs within the first session each instances.

“Batting-wise we weren’t ok. We didn’t rating sufficient runs – so simple as that. It was clearly an excellent assault and as soon as once more away from residence, we haven’t scored the runs.”

He added: “I nonetheless suppose we’re making some good steps. Trying on the first Take a look at, we have been in some good positions. Batting-wise we have been 150 for 3 [in the first innings]. Clearly then we crumbled to only over 200.

“Bowling-wise, as I stated, [there were] positives … however I nonetheless suppose that at some essential instances, we went too costly.

“I might say it’s enchancment from Australia – a giant enchancment – however batting-wise, we merely weren’t ok and we’ve received to be ok. We’ve received to be ok.”

West Indies misplaced the opening Take a look at at Centurion by 87 runs inside three days.

CMC/