Kraigg Brathwaite Surpasses Sir Garfield Sobers’ Record in Second Test Against Bangladesh at Sabina Park
Kraigg Brathwaite, captain of the West Indies cricket team, has become the first player to play 86 consecutive Test matches, surpassing Sir Garfield Sobers’ record of 85 matches. This achievement is made even more significant as it takes place on Barbados’ Independence Day, a fitting moment to celebrate the island’s contributions to West Indies cricket.
For Brathwaite, surpassing Sobers, a name synonymous with excellence in cricket, feels surreal. Sobers inspired generations, and now Brathwaite carries that legacy forward.
"It means a lot," Brathwaite reflects. "I’m extremely thankful because in this generation, there’s a lot of T10 and T20 cricket, but Test cricket is the real test. At the end, I will feel like I’ve done a really good job for the West Indies."
Brathwaite recalls setting a bold goal during his school days with his coach, Mr. Roddy Estwick, a goal that continues to drive him today.
"My goal—I will never forget—was to play 100 Test matches. Not just to play them, but to earn 100 caps for the West Indies. That is what my life has been about. Test cricket is everything to me, and I can never be in this position without putting God first."
Brathwaite made his Test debut in 2011 against Pakistan at Warner Park, and since then, he has been a consistent presence at the top of the order for the West Indies. "You know, it’s just hard work," he explains. "Hard work over the years, knowing what to improve, identifying areas to work on when you get back home. To succeed at this level for a long time, only hard work and perseverance will get you through."
As a leader, Brathwaite understands that challenges are part of the journey, but he believes that resilience is what defines a true Test cricketer. "It’s great to make a debut hundred, a maiden century—that’s lovely. But it’s how you respond when the failures come that defines you as a Test cricketer. People will talk, but it’s about how you fight back and remain at the top level. To now be tying Sir Garfield Sobers’ record—that is what hard work does."
When asked about his favorite century, Brathwaite paused thoughtfully before answering. "It’s a tough one," he admits. "But the hundred I got against South Africa in 2014, when they were the world’s number one team—that was special. I was just 24 or 25 at the time. The hundred against Australia in 2022 was also amazing because they were number one then too. But if I had to choose, I’d say the Headingley hundred in 2017. We won that game after rebounding from a heavy defeat in the pink-ball Test. Beating England that day was special for us as West Indians."
Brathwaite’s durability and stability as an opener have been hallmarks of his career. In 2016, he became the first opener to remain unbeaten in both innings of a Test, leading the West Indies to a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in Sharjah. It was the team’s first Test win outside the Caribbean since 2007, excluding matches against Bangladesh.
"That was a defining moment," he recalls. "We were 2-0 down in the series, and to win that match was incredible. In that innings, I used my feet more than ever before, and I’ll never forget it. It was a great feeling."
As Brathwaite stands on the cusp of history, he offers simple yet profound advice to the next generation of Caribbean cricketers. "Set your goals, and remember, you have to work harder now. Don’t be fooled by the lure of T20 cricket and quick money. While you can do everything, Test cricket is the ultimate test. The legends of world cricket come from Test cricket. If you can master the basics—like a solid defensive shot—you can play any form of cricket you want."
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FAQs
- What is the significance of Kraigg Brathwaite’s achievement?
Kraigg Brathwaite’s achievement is significant because it surpasses Sir Garfield Sobers’ record of 85 Test matches and is made on Barbados’ Independence Day, a fitting moment to celebrate the island’s contributions to West Indies cricket. - What are Kraigg Brathwaite’s thoughts on his record-breaking achievement?
Kraigg Brathwaite reflects on his achievement, stating that it means a lot to him and that he is extremely thankful for the opportunity to play Test cricket for the West Indies. - What is Kraigg Brathwaite’s goal in his cricket career?
Kraigg Brathwaite’s goal is to play 100 Test matches and earn 100 caps for the West Indies. He believes that Test cricket is everything to him and that he can never be in this position without putting God first. - What is Kraigg Brathwaite’s advice to the next generation of Caribbean cricketers?
Kraigg Brathwaite advises the next generation to set their goals and work harder, stating that Test cricket is the ultimate test and that if you can master the basics, you can play any form of cricket you want.
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