NORTHAMPTON, England – Darren Bravo said it was important for the West Indies batsmen to come to grips with the unusual conditions in which they are playing, as they prepare for the three-Test series against hosts England, starting next week.

The West Indies left-hander hit the top score of 51, as West Indies were bowled out for 147 in their first innings on the opening day of the four-day, first-class tour match against England Lions (England A-Team) on Thursday.

West Indies were put in to bat on a helpful, grass covered Wantage Road pitch under mostly cloudy skies and struggled to effectively conquer the Lions’ bowling attack.

“The bowlers were moving the ball around a lot and it was difficult to score right throughout my innings,” he said.

“But it was very important to back my ability, believe in my technique, and go out there and express myself in the best possible way. It was important to bat for as long as possible and capitalise on whatever start you can get.”

Bravo said the West Indies batsmen needed to believe in themselves more and understanding where they went wrong as a batting unit in the first innings against the Lions.

“It is very important that we pick it up and then we can go out there in the second innings and put a good total on the board,” he said.

“The guys were really happy that we could get some play and we will be looking to come back on Friday, get the England Lions out cheaply, and get a good total on the scoreboard.”

He added: “I do not think the batting is solely dependent on [a single player]. I think it is important for all of us to get out there as a batting unit and put up good scores for the West Indies team.

“We know it is going to be a challenge, but it is important for us to acclimatise to the conditions as quickly as possible, bat in partnerships, talk to each other as much as possible, and try to feed off each other. Hopefully, we can get it right before the series starts.”