The former West Indies skipper Carlos Braithwaite thinks that England’s refusal to shake hands on an early draw will give them a push to win the series. Joe Root’s side caught on until the first ball of the final that took place in Antigua.
The strong stand of Bonner and Holder
The victory seemed far out and mathematically impossible. Their hope of winning the game was buried by the strong partnership of Nkrumah Bonner and Jason Holder.
The deadly duo batted together throughout the final session and remained untroubled on a pitch that was lifeless. They carried West Indies on their shoulder to safety at 147-4.
The comment by Carlos Brathwaite on England’s act
Carlos Brathwaite said in a statement that he would find it very disrespectful how England went on till 5 balls left without offering a draw. It was the last hour and two batsmen were on the pitch as if it offers nothing. England’s decision of going for six wickets is what made Carlos Brathwaite upset.
He also raised a question asking whether England have done that if it were an Ashes Test. Carlos Brathwaite added that if they would do the same to India, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
He thinks they would not do that to any other team therefore he wonders why they did that to West Indies.
Carlos Brathwaite added that if WI needs any sort of determination, the passage of play should give them that. They should keep in mind that they have two Tests now to prove they are better than the English team.
Criticisms over Joe Root’s decision
Root’s declaration just ahead of lunch on the final day set the hosts a target of 286. Despite an opening partnership of 59, they lost four wickets for just 8 runs.
However, Bonner batted almost three hours for his unbeaten 38 with the partnership of Holder on 37 not out when the draw was called.
Former English batter Mark Ramprakash observed that Joe Root should have shook his hands with WI for a draw.
