West Indies batsman Darren Bravo was high in praise for batting legend Brian Lara after he broke a batting drought by recording his first Test century at home. The left-hander who has modeled his game after his cousin Lara scored 109 in the West Indies innings of 310 for five on the second day of the second Test match against New Zealand at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain yesterday. The West Indies would enter the third day today with a lead of 89 runs and five wickets in hand after New Zealand was bowled out for 221 in their first effort.
Bravo speaking to reporters at the post-game press conference said:”Brian came on the morning of the Test to hand (Jermaine) Blackwood his Test cap and he spent about 10 minutes speaking to me about my batting. Basically he said that I was not concentrating enough and he noticed that my average after I got past 30 was in the high 70s. He said that my batting required more concentration and I set about doing that. “Lara is someone that I idolised and when he gives me advice I always look into it and it has worked for me.” Bravo said he also had a long chat with his brother Dwayne and it helped as well.”I am very happy to get this century, my first at home and my parents were in the stands and this made it all the more special. My brother was there as well and going into the match I spoke to him and he also gave me valuable advice.”
Meanwhile, Barbadian Kraigg Brathwaite who also scored a century dedicated his ton to his father Clairmonte Brathwaite. “I am very happy with this century and I would like to dedicate this to my dad. Ever since I was a young boy I have dreamt of scoring a Test century and I am very happy to have finally done it.” Brathwaite who had a good series against Bangladesh ‘A’ said he started playing positive cricket against them and this helped yesterday. “I spoke to Sir Viv and he is a positive man and in addition to working a lot against spinners, I was able to go out there positive and realise my goal.”