West Indies Test Captain Kraigg Brathwaite Signs with Warwickshire Cricket Club for County Championship Season

West Indies Test Captain Kraigg Brathwaite has signed for Warwickshire County Cricket Club for the remainder of the County Championship season in their push to win the Division One title.

The patient right handed opener left Barbados on Friday and will play Sunday at the Kia Oval against defending champions Surrey, where he will face fellow countryman Kemar Roach.

Brathwaite said: “I’m really excited for the opportunity to join Warwickshire. It’s been quite a busy few days but when I was asked if I’d be willing to join up with the Bears it was an easy decision. I feel in good form and having played in England previously, I’m ready to test myself in those conditions.”

First team coach Mark Robinson spoke of his delight to have Brathwaite joining the squad.

“We’re lucky that a player of Kraigg’s quality is available. He’s a Test captain and opener who has played in England before and we’ve heard great reports on his character. Being a Bajan and not requiring a visa, we made the call on Thursday and he’ll arrive on Saturday.”

He added: “The blessing of that, with the injuries we’ve got, enabled us to get cover for our batting unit and we’re delighted to welcome Kraigg.”

The Barbadian has scored 12 020 first class runs in 197 matches whilst also taking 45 wickets with his occasional right arm off spin. For the West Indies, Brathwaite has scored 5 479 runs plus 29 wickets in 87 Test matches at an average of 34.89, having made his debut in 2011 against Pakistan. His highest test score remains his 212 against Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent.

His record in England at Test level is an average of 38.25 with 459 runs and one century in six Tests, including one at Edgbaston. Brathwaite has played in the County Championship 15 times across four stints with Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Glamorgan and Gloucestershire.

After their match against Surrey at the Kia Oval, fourth placed Warwickshire face Northampshire on September 10 at Edgbaston, Middlesex at Lords on September 19 and conclude their season at home against Somerset on September 26. (JC)