Paint by numbers

Is Kraigg Brathwaite the future of West Indies cricket? One could make a very strong argument that he should be big part of the foundation.

Of the 30 cricketers to take the field for West Indies over the last 3 years, Brathwaite's average (50.63) is bettered only by Shiv (58.40).

Over the last three years, Brathwaite has averaged 50.63. David Warner is the only opener with a higher average (51.32). Once he gets himself in, Brathwaite excels in scoring big - of his 6 scores of 50+ over this period, 4 have been converted to centuries.

Although Brathwaite's numbers are boosted by his 324 runs in four innings against Bangladesh, he has performed admirably in his last 9 Test matches against England, New Zealand and South Africa, averaging 39.87.

Prior to turning 23, Root and Williamson, two of the games brightest young players, averaged 36.73 and 31.47 respectively, lower than Brathwaite's current average (36.80).

To further illustrate his impressive start at such a young age, over the last 15 years, only Cook, Sarwan, Smith, de Villiers, Ashraful, Iqbal, Umar and Williamson have scored more runs prior to turning 23.

West Indies opening pair as a whole have been a real strength averaging 43.45 since June 2, 2012. Only Australia's openers have a higher average (46.41). For reference, Greenidge and Haynes averaged 45.50 throughout the 1980s.

Average opening partnership since June 2, 2012:

Australia        - 46.41
West Indies    - 43.45
South Africa  - 39.72
Sri Lanka      - 39.65
India            - 38.13
England        - 36.42
Pakistan        - 32.00
New Zealand  - 31.46

NICE STATS IN THE LEAD POST.

Rev