West Indies need to play more Test cricket- Brathwaite

The tourists were thrashed by an innings and 114 runs in last week's series opener against England, but the disparity between the two teams runs a lot deeper than the gulf in quality at Lord's suggested.

As well as the yawning financial chasm that exists between the two nations, they also operate on an uneven footing when it comes to the international fixture list.

While Thursday's match at Trent Bridge is England's seventh out of 17 this year, Brathwaite's side will be playing their third of nine in 2024.

The trend is not a new thing, either. Since the teams came together to contest the first bilateral Test series after the Covid-19 pandemic, England have played exactly 50 times – 19 more than their opponents.

"It's a challenge. I mean, we're longing for more Test cricket," he said.

"I think the more you play it, the faster you will learn. If it's drawn over a long period of time, playing two Tests here, two Tests there, you will take longer to learn. We need more Tests.

"All I can do is keep preaching for it. I don't know how hard it is to put on a Test series for the West Indies but all I can do is keep asking. I just hope the powers that be that may control the schedule pertaining to white ball and T20 tournaments, can fit in five or six more Test matches for us per year."

A more instant fix is needed for West Indies after they were routed on the third morning of the series opener. After being bowled out for 121 and 136, losing all 20 wickets in 89 overs at the crease, a stiffer resistance is needed from the top seven.

"It's pretty simple what we've got to do. We've got to bat a lot better," said Brathwaite.

"We've got to find a way. We've just got to put runs on the board. I know what I have to do and it's obviously important to lead this team and lead the batting. We just got to keep learning."