Brathwaite looking to carry on surreal journey - Windies opener recounts experiences ahead of 100th Test cap

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada:

Former West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite will etch his name into cricket history today as he becomes just the 10th West Indian to play 100 Test matches.

The milestone, reached in Grenada, cements Brathwaite's legacy as one of the region's most resilient and dedicated cricketers.

Reflecting on the achievement, an emotional Brathwaite admitted that the journey has been surreal and he is looking to lap up all the emotions.

"It means everything. Words to describe it would be pretty tough. You always wanted to play for the West Indies as a youngster, but to play 100 Tests was a dream."

The 32-year-old opener recalled a childhood interview that foreshadowed his remarkable journey from his days as a skinny little kid from Black Rock in St. Michael, Barbados, who looked mature beyond his years every time he came out to bat.

"I'll never forget when I was a teenager, just 14 years old, and I did an interview. They asked me what my goals were, and I remember saying one of them was to play 100 Tests," he recalled.

"To see that come true after 14 years with the West Indies is quite amazing."

Brathwaite, who averaged over 77 in 2022 and earned a spot in the International Cricket Council Test Team of the Year, hopes his story will inspire the next generation.

"I just want to be a role model, to hopefully inspire even just one youngster in the Caribbean to set their goals early. Whether it's 100 Tests, 300 ODIs, or playing in franchises worldwide, the key is to set a target and work relentlessly, through the highs and lows, to achieve it."

Despite recent challenges where the runs have not been flowing as he would have liked, Brathwaite remains confident in his ability to contribute. - CMC