The pitch offered assistance to the fast bowlers skilled enough to accept it. Gabriel welcomed the help and bowled like he has never done before. But other members of the West Indies attack didn’t. Miguel Cummins, for example, was disappointing. His 32 overs in the game failed to yield a single wicket. To be fair, at least one catch was floored off his bowling, but his length and direction certainly needs to become more reliable if he is to deserve a regular spot on the team. Fast bowler Keemo Paul, who was with the A team in England, has been summoned to the squad as replacement for Guyanese batsman Shimron Hetmyer, and should replace Cummins in Barbados.
Captain Jason Holder was also not at his best, and also inauspiciously joined Gabriel in being denied a wicket due to his overstepping. Considering his propensity to generate high bounce and away movement, he ought to have been more menacing on the surface in St Lucia.
The West Indies largely have Brathwaite to thank for escaping with a draw. The Barbadian opener clawed his way to an unbeaten 59, made off 172 deliveries, when the weather intervened for the final time. He did not appear to be in good form thus far, and the flaws in his technique were apparent in Trinidad and during the first innings in St Lucia, but his renowned fighting qualities came to the fore and he refused to be moved.
His opening partner Devon Smith made 61 in the first innings and that score should have him sitting a touch more comfortably side. Yet, in truth, his batting did not suggest longevity at the crease. His defects, both to seam and spin, were apparent and showed a significant degree of vulnerability. It was difficult for the selectors to have ignored his entreaties for a place in the side. But his four innings this series have not hinted at him becoming a long-term fixture.
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