Kraigg Brathwaite signs for Championship run-in

Warwickshire have secured West Indian Test Captain Kraigg Brathwaite for the remainder of the season.

The opener, who will be available for all four remaining LV= Insurance County Championship fixtures, will meet up with the Bears ahead of Sunday’s match at the Kia Oval against Surrey.

A prolific run scorer, the Barbadian native has scored 13,020 first-class runs in 197 matches, whilst also taking 45 wickets with his right-arm spin.

For the Men in Maroon, Brathwaite made his international debut in 2011 against Pakistan and scored 75 and 28 in their recent Test match against India in July. In total, the right-hander fired 5,479 runs, plus 29 wickets in 87 Tests with a high score of 212.

In 2022, Brathwaite was named Player of the Series for England’s tour of the West Indies, having scored 341 runs and taken one wicket as the hosts defeated Ben Stokes’ side 1-0 in the three Test series.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to join Warwickshire,” said Brathwaite. “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.”

Brathwaite has played in the County Championship 15 times across four stints with Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Glamorgan and Gloucestershire.

For his nation, the 30-year-old has played six Tests in England, including one at Edgbaston, averaging 38.25 with 459 runs and one century.

First Team Coach Mark Robinson added: “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 today.

“We were looking to bring a bowler in to replace Hassan and we got let down by an overseas that we thought was coming in, but his NOC got revoked.

“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.”