‘When will the BS stop? – DJ Bravo takes aim at West Indies selectors after half-brother Darren’s continued non-selection
Former West Indies legend Dwayne Bravo has hit out at West Indies selector Desmond Haynes for ignoring his half-brother Darren Bravo for the upcoming ODI series against England.
West Indies announced their squad for the three-match home ODI series against England starting December 3, today (November 21). Shai Hope will continue as the captain while Alzarri Joseph will be his deputy. The three matches will be played in Antigua (December 3 and 6) and Barbados (December 9).
The West Indies squad contains a mix of youth and experience as Shane Dowrich and Kjorn Ottley have been recalled while Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde have earned maiden call-ups to the ODI side. Darren Bravo, however, has not been included.
Bravo last played an ODI in February 2022, in the three-match series against India. Currently 34 years of age, Bravo boasts of a modest ODI record, having an average of 30.11 and a strike rate of 70.11 after playing 122 matches.
With West Indies failing to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, Haynes said that their focus is clear, to qualify and succeed at the 2027 World Cup: “We have a clear vision. We are focused on building a solid team. Our main focus is to rebuild for success at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.”
DJ Bravo, a former legend of West Indies cricket, particularly in the shortest format, who also happens to be the half-brother of Darren Bravo, hit out at the West Indies selectors for ignoring the latter.
Bravo shared a post on Instagram with a picture of Darren and said that he was not surprised by his omission but had expected better of the new management team: “SMH [Shake My Head]!!! When will the BS [bullshit] stop?! 😤 I’m not surprised by my brother’s non-selection, but with the recent changes in WI cricket management, I held onto a bit of hope for the better. This is NOT acceptable, and I just can’t make sense of it!”
Bravo pointed out the domestic performances of Darren. The stylish left-hander was the leading run-scorer in the recently concluded Super 50, the domestic List A tournament in West Indies. He scored 416 runs at an 80-plus average and a 90-plus strike rate. Bravo questioned the criteria for selection to the West Indies team.
“So here are my burning questions: What’s the criteria for West Indies team selection? Surely, it can’t be solely based on performance? For two seasons, my brother showcased exceptional talent, becoming the leading run-scorer in the latest tournament with over 400 runs, a batting average of 83.2, and an SR of 92.” wrote Bravo.
He pointed out Haynes and said that the system has failed once again. “To Mr. Desmond Haynes, your statement didn’t surprise me. It feels like another former player singing for his supper,” said Bravo. “I hoped for trust in the system with figures like you, [Darren] Sammy, and the new director of cricket, but the system failed again.”
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He finished his post by wishing Darren as well as the selected members well: “To my brother, this too shall pass. Keep your head up, stay focused, and trust in the Almighty.
“And, as always, I extend my best wishes to the team and selected players. It’s refreshing to see Ottley, Rutherford, and Dowrich back in the mix. Good Luck, guys.”
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