‘Rodney Hogg Said We Were Pathetic & Hopeless, That Was Our Inspiration’: Kraig Brathwaite

West Indies rewrote history on Sunday after registering their first Test win Down Under since 1997. After setting the hosts a 216-run target, the tourists bundled them out for 207 and levelled the 2-match Test series 1-1.

It was an inspirational victory for the West Indies which left the former captains, Brian Lara and Carl Hooper in Tears. Young pacer Shamar Joseph stole the show with an exceptional show, bowling 11.5 overs of hostile pace to finish with 7-68 in just his second Test despite the pain in his foot. He had to retire hurt after being hit on the toe in the second innings on Saturday night and didn’t take the field thereafter. But he returned on Sunday morning after getting clearance from the doctors, only to bring down the Aussies on their knees.

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Filled with emotions and excitement at the same time, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite made a serious statement while speaking at the post-match presentation. He said former Australian cricketer Rodney Hogg writing them off sparked the fire within his teammates and thus, they bounced back and thumped the hosts.

“I must say we had two words that inspired us in this Test match. Mr. Rodney Hogg said that we were pathetic and hopeless. That was our inspiration. We wanted to show the world we’re not pathetic. And I must ask him, are these muscles big enough for him (Shows his biceps),” said the West Indies captain.

“I wanted to show the world what we’re made of. The doctor told me that Shamar could do it and I had to back him,” he added.

Brathwaite also heaped massive praise on Joseph who turned the game in West Indies’ favour.

“He’s a superstar. I know he’ll do great things for the West Indies in the future. Just his belief is incredible, he told me that he won’t stop bowling till we win it. Very proud of the guys, they showed a lot of fire and heart, especially after the first Test,” he said.