Vice Captain Dwayne Bravo Says The “Fire Still Blazing”

Kingstown, St Vincent — Enthusiastic all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has been named vice captain of the West Indies team for the upcoming Digicel One-Day International Series against Australia.

Dwayne Bravo taking off on a ride after training. Photo: Philip Spooner/windiescricket.com

The 28-year-old replaced wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin, who suffered a fractured right thumb and was replaced in the 13-man squad by Carlton Baugh. The elder Bravo is known for his energy and dynamism. He said he was thrilled to be back in the team and will do all he can to drive the team towards success in the upcoming matches.

”I was away from the team since last year and I’m happy to be back in the maroon shirt and representing the people of the West Indies,” he said. “It is special to be back on the team for a series in the Caribbean, where most of my fans are and where I get a lot of support. I’m looking to make this year a big year. I want to make 2012 my year.”

Bravo is making a return to the team after an absence of more than six months. He last played for the Windies against India in the Digicel One-Day Series last year. He was not in the team for the West Indies away tours to Bangladesh and India late last year.

Bravo is now in his ninth year at the international level and has so far played 117 ODIs making 1,910 runs and taking 136 wickets. He has led the West Indies before – including one Test match – against South Africa at Durban in January 2008.

Speaking after Wednesday’s training session at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, Bravo noted: “I am happy to be named vice captain. When I was asked to do the job, I happily accepted. As vice captain, I know I have a very important job to do. The main my job is to support captain Darren Sammy and work alongside him, and help my team-mates and put in those major performances for the team.”

He added: “We have a very young team and, as one of the senior players, I have to step in and make my presence felt. The fire is still blazing in me. I will be bringing the same level of enthusiasm and commitment that I always had. That is the only way I know how to play, by giving my all to the team.”

West Indies will have another training session at Arnos Vale on Thursday morning. The first Digicel ODI will be on Friday at the same venue. First ball is 9:30 a.m. (8:30 a.m. Jamaica Time).

West Indies Squad for Digicel ODIs in St Vincent
Darren Sammy (Captain)
Dwayne Bravo (Vice Captain)
Carlton Baugh
Tino Best
Devendra Bishoo
Darren Bravo
Johnson Charles
Sunil Narine
Kieron Pollard
Kieran Powell
Kemar Roach
Andre Russell
Marlon Samuels

Match schedule for Digicel ODI Series
Friday, 16 March – 1st Digicel ODI at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, St. Vincent
Sunday, 18 March – 2nd Digicel ODI at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, St. Vincent
Tuesday, 20 March – 3rd Digicel ODI at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, St. Vincent
Friday, 23 March – 4th Digicel ODI at Beausejour Cricket Ground, St. Lucia
Sunday, 25 March – 5th Digicel ODI at Beausejour Cricket Ground, St. Lucia

Photo: Philip Spooner/windiescricket.com