'Thankful and Honored': How Does Brathwaite Feel About Reaching 100 Tests?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kraigg Brathwaite is about to play his 100th Test match.
- He joins an elite group of 10 players in West Indies cricket history.
- Brathwaite's journey began as a teenager in 2011.
- He aims to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
- Brathwaite's first Test century was against New Zealand in 2014.
New Delhi, July 3 (NationPress) Kraigg Brathwaite is on the verge of achieving a significant career milestone as he gears up to play his 100th Test match for the West Indies against Australia in the second Test of the series in Grenada, commencing Thursday.
The 32-year-old batsman will become only the 10th player in West Indies history to reach this milestone, joining the ranks of legends like Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Brian Lara, and Gordon Greenidge.
Having captained the West Indies in 39 Tests, Brathwaite made his debut as a teenager against Pakistan in 2011. Since then, he has amassed 5,943 runs at an average of 32.93. For him, this achievement is not merely a number but the realization of a long-held aspiration.
“I set that goal when I was probably 14 years old — to play 100 Tests,” Brathwaite stated in an ICC interview. “Now I’m here, 18 years later, playing my hundredth Test for the West Indies. I’m incredibly thankful, and I aim to inspire younger players to follow suit. I didn’t wish to be just another player — I wanted to make a significant impact.”
Brathwaite’s maiden Test century arrived in 2014 against New Zealand in Port of Spain, marking a pivotal moment that solidified his position in the team.
“My first 100 against New Zealand was an indescribable feeling,” he reflected. “I never believed I would get that close to a Test century, and then achieving it was surreal. Scoring 100 for the West Indies truly meant a lot and propelled me forward, reinforcing my belief that I could succeed.”
Later that same year, he recorded his first double century against Bangladesh in Kingstown, capping off a remarkable 2014 in which he tallied 701 runs at an average of 77.88. His most prolific year, in terms of runs, was 2017, where he scored 706 runs at a lower average of 37.15.
As Brathwaite prepares to commemorate this extraordinary occasion in Grenada, a location he holds dear, he reflects on his journey. “Grenada is a special place for me, and I’m eager to play my 100th Test match. I’m grateful and honored to represent the West Indies,” he commented.
“From a young age, you can set your goals and ambitions that you want to achieve in life. Work diligently through both hardships and triumphs. Stay disciplined and never take anything for granted,” he emphasized.