“We expect the same type of pitch in the second Test and we need to do better,” Brathwaite said in the post-Test press conference. “It was a difficult pitch to make, that’s for sure. But it’s up to them how they want the pitch. We just have to get it right.”
“It’s great to see. Jamal has worked extremely hard over the years and it’s good to see he got his first five-wicket win. His hard work has paid off. He bowled well; he was consistent. I wish him all the best in his second test match.
“I think we could improve the bowling. We gave them 50-60 runs too many in the first innings because the pitch was turning from the first ball and we could have created enough pressure on the batters to get more wickets That said, we could have also created enough pressure on the batters to get more wickets. [Athanaze, whose fourth innings 55 was West Indies highest individual score] showed us today how easy it can be. You need to be braver in your shot selection. But I think a better overall performance would help us win the second Test.”
With the tricky pitch and short Test match, small differences were always going to prove decisive, and Brathwaite was keen to stress that, despite the margin of victory, he felt the disparity between the two teams was small. With Pakistan’s strategy certain – both captains have indeed confirmed that they expect a similar turnaround for the second Test – which will also take place in Multan, starting January 25 – surprise is not something that can surprise the West Indies.
“I think we could be better with the ball in the first innings. We gave them 50 runs too many, and on top of that we didn’t bat as well as we could have, especially in the first innings. Both innings, The top order got no runs so I think in terms of batting the top six should be able to bat at least one session.
“Pakistan also only batted one session in their second innings, and I think in terms of bowling, once we stay consistent in putting batters on the front foot, we will have a better chance of limit the total in this first innings. And we have to bat better, we have to find a better way.
Although he did not commit to this strategy, perhaps judicious aggression, a measure West Indies began to introduce into their batting as each innings progressed, is something West Indies could consider do more next week. Some batters found the use of reverse sweeps from outside the line a fruitful scoring option, while West Indies’ most destructive phase with the bat came when the tenth wicket partnership put on 46 from 21 balls, taking the spinners when they flew the ball.
“The ball was in tatters, so we’ll have your name on it anyway. The pitch was difficult as you could see. It was very dry before the match even started. So I’m not surprised the match ended early.”
