Darren Bravo Looking For Special Birthday Performance

Canberra, Australia – Darren Bravo will be looking for happy returns on his birthday when he lines up against Australia in the third One-Day International at Manuka Oval on Wednesday.

Darren Bravo looking for a big score to coincide with this 24th birthday. Photo: WICB Media

The stylish left-hander will celebrate his 24th birthday and believes the special occasion is the perfect time for a major breakthrough innings on Australia soil and a first win for West Indies on this trip. The Windies are 0-2 down after defeats last weekend at the WACA Ground in Perth.

Wednesday’s day/night encounter will be the first ODI at the picturesque venue, and a capacity crowd of close to 13,000 is expected for the historic match as the capital city celebrates its centenary. First ball is 2:20 pm (11:20 pm Tuesday Eastern Caribbean Time/10:20 pm Jamaica Time).

“Celebrating my 24th birthday and representing the West Indies is something special for me and I’m really looking forward to this match in a big way. I am looking for a wonderful game tomorrow,” Bravo said after training on Tuesday.

“It is a special occasion with the match being hosted at Manuka Oval and [it being] the 100th year of the city. You can see the activities around the ground and you can sense the occasion. We need a win to keep the series alive and I’m looking to perform with distinction.”

Bravo is yet to record a major score in the two matches so far, but he noted that he is still enjoying the tour. This is his first tour of Australia and he boldly stated that the atmosphere, crowd involvement and playing conditions are the best he has experienced in the four years he has played at the international career.

“It is a wonderful atmosphere to play cricket out here in Australia. I have not made a big score as yet, but every time I get the opportunity to bat it is the best I have ever felt at a wicket. The atmosphere is tremendous, the crowd support is exceptional and the conditions are world-class. It is a wonderful opportunity to play here and I now have a taste of it. It is now time for me to go out and execute,” said the Windies Number 46, who is set for his 48th ODI.

“We have been working hard as a team. For me, it is important to play as straight as possible. We have to believe in ourselves and continue to do the basics right and remain focussed. We are 2-0 down and I would like to do something exceptional for myself and the West Indies.”

The opening matches were played on the west coast at the WACA Ground in Perth. The second phase of the tour will be played in eastern centres on Wednesday at Manuka Oval, Canberra, on Friday at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The teams will also play a one-off T20 International at the Gabba, Brisbane on Wednesday, February 13.