West Indies Test captain for the Bangladesh series, Kraigg Brathwaite, says he is expecting his opening partner, John Campbell, to show his true colours in the two-Test series, which bowls off on February 2.
The right-handed Brathwaite, who is leading the side in the absence of regular skipper Jason Holder, says the Jamaican Campbell should do well once he backs himself and play his natural game.
“Whatever is his game plan, he must trust it. His defence is solid, and down here you will have to defend a lot more balls than attack. Once he trusts his defence, I think he will do well,” Brathwaite said.
“I know what he is capable of because he got a score in his last Test innings in New Zealand, so it’s just for him to have that belief and go and enjoy it. He has the ability, I know that, and we all know that, so it’s for him to just go out and play his natural game,” added Brathwaite.
Brathwaite and Campbell have been the mainstay openers for the West Indies in the last two-Test series, with the pair only registering one half-century stand of 53 in 10 innings dating back to the first Test against England last July.
With the subcontinent conditions expected to be slower and susceptible to spin, Brathwaite believes the key to a successful opening partnership with Campbell will be to turn over the strike against the barrage of quality spinners they will face against Bangladesh.
“I think the rotation of the strike will be key. I think John is a very good player, because when we went to India to play Afghanistan, he got a 50 in the game and did well in those conditions, so I don’t think he needs to change his approach from how he batted there. It’s just for me to encourage him to be himself,” added Brathwaite.
The West Indies team is expected to get their first run out today, after getting through their four-day quarantine period in the team hotel.
Brathwaite added that the current squad is eager to get out and get the job going, as they look to claim a rare series win in Bangladesh.
“I know the guys here are very hungry, and I know they will do anything to get success. If you get success from a batting and bowling point of view, that will help the team to win. The word for this tour is ‘opportunity’, and I know the guys will be raring to go and show that they can perform for the West Indies,” Brathwaite said.