Do it well twice, Darren Bravo urges West Indies batsmen

Kingston, June 7 (IANS/CMC): Stroke-maker Darren Bravo has called on the West Indies batting unit to deliver in both innings if they are to trounce New Zealand in the upcoming three-Test series.

The Caribbean side have struggled with inconsistent batting in recent years, leading to nightmare results on tours of India and New Zealand last year where they lost heavily.

Bravo said, with the Black Caps boasting a strong attack, the Windies batsmen needed to step up to the mark.

"I believe their bowling attack has been doing tremendously well over the last couple of years. We don't normally bat well twice in a Test match so that is something we have to look closely at," Bravo said.

"At times, we tend to get a decent score in the first innings and then falter in the second innings or the other way around, so that is something we need to rectify if we are to play well in this series."

He continued: "I believe when our batsmen gets starts they have to carry on and get big scores because at Test cricket level, it is not easy to get a start so it is very important we try our best to execute and stick to the game plan."

West Indies will be hoping in this series to turn the corner on their recent performances in Tests. They lost both Tests in India last November by innings margins, failing to make 250 in any outing.

Against New Zealand the following month, West Indies lost the three-match series 2-0. They escaped with a draw in the first Test thanks to Bravo's brilliant career-best 218, which lifted them to 507 all out following on.

Bravo said he was hoping to extend this form, which has seen him gather just over 2011 runs in 27 Tests at an average of 44.

"I have to continue believing in myself. It's very important I stick to the basics. The ball may not swing as much as down in New Zealand but I believe New Zealand have a quality bowling attack so I believe they are going to use the conditions to the best of their ability," the elegant left-hander said.

"It is very important that, not only myself but the rest of the team, try and play their natural game as much as possible. When we step onto the field as a batting unit we have to try our best to execute our game plan."

The first Test starts at Sabina Park on Sunday.