England, as one of the sport’s financial powerhouses alongside India and Australia, enjoy a packed schedule with 17 Test matches scheduled for 2024.In contrast, the West Indies, facing economic constraints, are only slated to play nine Tests in the same period.
“It’s a challenge. I mean, we’re longing for more Test cricket. I think the more you play it, the faster you will learn. If it’s drawn over a long period of time, playing two Tests here, two Tests there, you will take longer to learn. We need more Tests,” West Indies captain Brathwaite told a pre-match press conference.
While the International Cricket Council (ICC) mandates a minimum of two Tests per series, the actual number of matches played is largely determined by bilateral agreements between competing nations.
“All I can do is keep preaching for it. I don’t know how hard it is to put on a Test series for the West Indies but all I can do is keep asking. I just hope the powers that be that may control the schedule pertaining to white ball and T20 tournaments, can fit in five or six more Test matches for us per year,” he added.
Brathwaite, who scored a Test hundred in England at Headingley seven years ago, emphasized the importance of continuous learning, stating, “It’s pretty simple what we’ve got to do — we’ve got to bat a lot better,” said Brathwaite, who made a Test hundred in England, at Headingley, seven years ago. We’ve got to find a way. We’ve just got to put runs on the board. I know what I have to do and it’s obviously important to lead this team and lead the batting. We’ve just got to keep learning.”
The upcoming Test at Trent Bridge presents an opportunity for the West Indies to demonstrate their resilience and put their captain’s words into action.