Source: www.newsday.co.tt
By: Stephon Nicholas
WEST INDIES batsman Darren Bravo has signed for English county club Nottinghamshire for the Clydesdale Bank (CB) 40-overs competition currently underway in England.
The stylish left-hander will leave Trinidad today and is expected to make his debut on Friday against Glamorgan at Trent Bridge.
Bravo will be replacing Australian Adam Voges as the county team’s overseas player.
Nottinghamshire are currently languishing in fourth place in Group ‘C’ with five wins from nine matches and will be hoping the 22-year-old Trinidadian can spark their revival to gain a coveted place in the semi-finals. Only the top teams in Group ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ and the next best team will advance to the last four.
Bravo has played just eight Test matches for the West Indies but has already scored six half-centuries and is averaging a shade under 40 at 39.84.
His One-Day International record is also promising with five fifties from 28 matches at an average of 33.45.
Bravo does have the experience of playing in England, having competed in a tri-nation series involving the host country and India last year for the West Indies ‘A’.
His impressive form for the regional ‘A’ team saw him make his Test debut against Sri Lanka where he scored 58. He was included in the West Indies team for the World Cup where he stroked 73 from 82 balls but failed to replicate that form for the remainder of the competition.
Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Dwayne Bravo, Darren’s older brother, believes it is a fantastic opportunity for his sibling and backed him to excel. “It’s a great opportunity. I’m happy for him. He’s been playing international cricket for just about two years so for him to get recognised like this is a great achievement,” he said.
Dwayne, one of the region’s most electric all-rounders, noted the similarity in his career path and his brother’s.
“I remember at 22-years-old, I got to play for Kent. It was a great achievement for me so I hope he continues to show form. It is a challenge for him with new conditions (to play in). It’s not easy but I think he will do well,” he declared.
The 27-year-old revealed he will be passing on whatever knowledge or advice he can to help his brother adapt to the new environment. “He will be leaving tomorrow (today) so I hope to get a word with him tonight (yesterday) before he flies out,” he said.
Dwayne remarked on Darren’s rise to fame and success and noted only injury or poor form can curtail his career. He pointed out, however, that his brother trains hard and enjoys batting and believes nothing can stop him if he continues these traits.
He explained that in the West Indies heyday, several of the region’s players also plied their trade in England in county cricket and believes if Darren can excel then it will open the door for more Caribbean players to get the chance to play there as well.