West Indian medical sub Shamarh Brooks admits he hadn’t batted for 2 days earlier than he was despatched out to face a frightening Australian assault after his teammate was pressured to retire harm.
Brooks got here to the crease hours after Nkrumah Bonner retired harm following a heavy blow to the again of his helmet.
Bonner was struck by a Cameron Green bouncer early on day three within the First Test, however bravely batted on for an additional half-hour earlier than reporting dizziness as he was taken from the bottom.
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Brooks stated he was too targeted on “servicing” his teammates within the nets as a substitute of batting himself earlier than he was known as upon with the match within the steadiness at 4-211.
“There was a little bit of deliberation by way of the state of affairs – the captain got here to me, I had the bib on the entire recreation and instructed me, ‘simply put together your self to return and bat for the workforce’,” he stated on Friday.
“I feel that was simply after lunch. Then the choice was made and I needed to get myself mentally able to go on the market and do the enterprise for the workforce.
“I used to be simply servicing the gamers and ensuring they have been really able to do the job.
“My final hit would have been on the primary day of the sport. But between yesterday and at this time, I didn’t even have successful.
“Usually I’d have successful usually, however I used to be servicing the opposite guys as a result of we all know it’s a batting day at this time so I used to be simply making an attempt to get the opposite batters prepared. Other guys have been having successful within the nets.”
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The 34-year-old, who’s but to cement himself within the West Indies line up, stated he “loved” the problem of going through as much as the Australians.
“I wouldn’t say it was a impolite awakening however it was begin for me by way of going through the blokes in my first time taking part in cricket in Australia,” he stated.
“I simply mainly performed quite a lot of issues that I noticed in my thoughts during the last day and a half (within the discipline) and checked out a number of the areas the blokes have been bowling – that was by way of getting myself prepared.
“It was an excellent problem on the market at this time.”
Bonner is recovering after the Green strike, with the workforce supervisor confirming he was “up and about” after the brutal blow.
Shamarh Brooks of the West Indies performs a sweep shot throughout day three of the First Test match between Australia and the West Indies at Optus Stadium on December 02, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Brooks stated he hoped he may emulate the likes of Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne, who acquired his begin as a concussion sub for Steve Smith within the Ashes – and has held his spot since.
“Yeah undoubtedly, we nonetheless have a second innings to be performed,” he stated.
“What can I say, it’s simply to go on the market and provides account. Try my greatest to save lots of the sport for the workforce or regardless of the state of affairs could also be at the moment.”
Brooks stated his focus was now to attempt to “save” the Test for the West Indies.
“(Australia) having a 300-plus runs as a lead I suppose is likely to be a little bit of a attain by way of profitable the sport. I feel we simply have to attempt to limit them as a lot as doable and arrange our shot to save lots of the sport over the following day and a half,” he stated.
“Four or 5 periods, I feel that’s what they may give us as a result of I feel it’s nonetheless batting pitch.”
Australia are 1-29 heading into day 4, with an total lead of 344 runs.
