“We are expecting the same kind of pitch in the second Test and we have to improve,” Brathwaite said in the post-Test press conference. “It was probably a tough pitch to hit. But it’s their decision how they want the pitch. We just have to do it right.”
“It’s fantastic to see. Jamal has worked very hard over the years and it’s good to see that he got his first five-wicket haul. His hard work has paid off. He played well; he was consistent. I wish him all the best in his second test match.
“I think we could improve bowling-wise. We gave them 50-60 runs too many in the first innings because the pitch turned from the first ball and we could have created enough pressure on the batsmen to get more wickets. Having said that, I also think that Alick didn’t hit as well as we could have. [Athanaze, whose fourth innings 55 was West Indies highest individual score] showed us today how easy it can be. You have to be braver in your shot selection. But I think that with a better overall performance we could win the second test.”
With the difficult pitch and short Test match, the smallest differences were always going to prove decisive, and Brathwaite was keen to emphasize that, despite the margin of victory, he felt the disparity between the two sides was small. With Pakistan’s strategy secure (both captains effectively confirmed that they were expecting a similar turn for the second Test, which will also take place in Multan, starting January 25), the upset is not something that will come as a surprise to the West Indies. .
“I think we could have been better with the ball in the first innings. We gave them 50 runs too many and also we didn’t bat as well as we could have, especially in the first innings. Both innings The top order didn’t get any runs, so I think that in terms of batting, the top six should be able to bat at least one session.
“Pakistan also batted only one session in their second innings, and I think bowling-wise, once we are consistent in getting the batsmen forward, we will have a better chance of limiting the first innings total. And we have to do that. . hit better, we have to find a better way.”
While he didn’t commit to that strategy, perhaps judicious aggression – a measure the West Indies began to introduce into their batting as each innings progressed – is something the West Indies could look to do more of next week. Some batsmen found the use of reverse sweeps from outside the line to be a fruitful scoring option, while the West Indies’ most destructive phase with the bat came when the 10th-wicket partnership scored 46 off 21 balls, facing the spinners when they bowled the ball.
“The ball was rough, so one is going to have your name anyway. The pitch was difficult, as you could see. It was very dry even before the game started. So I’m not surprised that the game ended early” .
