Kraigg Brathwaite realises Test dream – father praises his dedication

Kraigg Brathwaite

Basseterre, St Kitts May 20, 2011 – Kraigg Brathwaite became the fifth youngest West Indian to play Test cricket when he made his debut in the 2nd Digicel Test against Pakistan on Friday at Warner Park.

“This is an honour for me and a real dream. I always wanted to play for the West Indies in Test match. I never thought it would come this early but I’m delighted to be playing my first Test match,” Brathwaite said.

“It’s not just my dream, but the dream of my father, all my family and many, many people who have supported me my entire life. My aim is to do everyone proud.”

Brathwaite’s father Arleigh arrived from Barbados early on Friday morning to see his son receive his maroon cap from Team Manager Richie Richardson.

“Kraigg is a very dedicated young man. From the time he was a little boy making centuries at primary school I could see he had the ability to do well. There was no way of knowing he would play for the West Indies, but I’m happy that he made it. I’m very happy for him. I just want him to continue to improve. He’s doing what he loves,” Arleigh said from his seat in the South Stand.

The right-handed opening batsman is a sixth form student of the Combermere School in Barbados.

Today he is 18 years, 169 days. The players who debuted in Test for West Indies at a younger age are: Barbadians Derek Sealy (17 years, 122 days), Garfield Sobers (17 years, 245 days), Robin Bynoe (18 years, 31 days) and Trinidadian Jeffrey Stollmeyer (18 years, 90 days).