‘We needed little better judgement’ - West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite makes honest assessment after bitter loss to Australia

Steve Smith-led Australia routed visitors West Indies for 77 runs in the second innings on their way to an emphatic 419-run victory thereby clinching the Test series 2-0. Following the loss, the Windies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite made an honest assessment of the massive loss endured by the side at the Adelaide Oval in the second Test.

The Caribbean nation failed miserably in their daunting target of 497 against the hosts and were handed yet another defeat in the bilateral contest. Despite the loss, the Windies skipper remained optimistic about the nation’s growth in the red-ball format and stated that the side needs to have ‘better judgement’.

“Obviously the pink ball is always different – under lights is always tough and at times a little tougher. We needed a little better judgement at times. We have a lot of Test cricket to play next year so we have to look ahead. In a year, you want to win every game – you don’t want to lose – but I think losing is a part of the game.

"Obviously, this loss was a bit disappointing in how we didn’t show the fight required. I was pleased with the first Test in Perth despite it was a loss. We saw guys fighting, and to carry a strong Australia team into the last day was a decent effort,” told Brathwaite following the loss.

I still think it was a good year for us: Kraigg Brathwaite

The skipper stated that the side is ending the year on a positive note but will need to take the experience as they head into the Zimbabwe and South Africa series next year.

“I still think it was a good year for us. As I said, it’s important to learn from this experience. We have South Africa next year in March after Zimbabwe and we know there are kind of similar conditions in South Africa, so it is important we show that experience,” added Brathwaite.

The Windies concluded the year with a record of three wins, two draws, and two defeats in the longest format of the sport in 2022. The Caribbean nation registered two wins against Bangladesh and a victory against England whereas two losses against Australia in the recently concluded Test series and two draws against the Three Lions.