West Indies bracing for an additional battle from gutsy hosts 

West Indies are bracing for an additional stiff problem from Zimbabwe within the second Take a look at starting in Zimbabwe Sunday, as they chase a collection win following a irritating attract final week’s opener.

Rain robbed West Indies of treasured time within the first Take a look at at Queens Sports activities Membership, Zimbabwe surviving a tense closing day after being set 272 for victory.

After racking up a powerful 447 of their first innings, West Indies misplaced management of the sport when plucky Zimbabwe rebounded from 192 for seven to succeed in 379, and Brathwaite mentioned his aspect anticipated to come across that very same combating spirit once more.

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“We’ve clearly seen Zimbabwe put up a variety of battle, particularly with the bat, [on] that day 4 when Gary (Ballance) scored that magnificent hundred,” Brathwaite identified. “It goes to point out that Zimbabwe are going to come back and battle and it’s not simply to come back and roll over.  “From the beginning I mentioned we are able to’t take any group without any consideration and never Zimbabwe [either]. They is probably not primary on the planet however of their dwelling circumstances they may play properly.

“So I believe it’s a little bit of the identical. We’ve to go in with a transparent mindset and simply don’t take them without any consideration.”

West Indies’ batsmen had been particularly spectacular within the opening Take a look at, 26-year-old opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul logging a splendid double century in solely his third Take a look at. Brathwaite additionally scored his twelfth Take a look at hundred with an outstanding 182, combining with Chanderpaul to interrupt West Indies’ three-decade previous report for a gap stand set by the legendary pair of Sir Gordon Greenidge and present chief selector, the Most Honourable Desmond Haynes.

Quick bowler Alzarri Joseph impressed with three wickets within the first innings whereas rookie left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie completed with a six-wicket match haul – 4 coming within the second innings on the ultimate day.

“The [team] ambiance is superb. The fellows are trying ahead to this final Take a look at match,” Brathwaite mentioned of the group morale. “The fellows have been right here for some time, they usually look ahead to taking part in some onerous Take a look at cricket. “We’re actually trying ahead to [this Test]. Sadly, we didn’t get the complete days within the first Take a look at [because of rain] so we’re trying ahead to the blokes getting on the market and having a very good all-round sport. “The primary factor will not be taking Zimbabwe without any consideration.”

West Indies have by no means misplaced to Zimbabwe in 11 earlier conferences within the longest format.

 SQUADS:

WEST INDIES – Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas, Jomel Warrican

 ZIMBABWE – Craig Ervine (captain), Gary Ballance, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Tanaka Chivanga, Bradley Evans, Joylord Gumbie, Harmless Kaia, Tanunurwa Makoni, Wellington Masakadza, Kudzai Maunze, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, Donald Tiripano, Tafadzwa Tsiga

-CMC