West Indies all-rounder Dwanye Bravo is on top of the world. The feisty Trinidadian was part of the West Indies team which knocked India out of the World T20 cricket championship. The 32- year-old Bravo took time off his celebration to speak to The Sunday Guardian on a variety of issues . After his exploits on the cricket field , Bravo is now set to launch his official World Cup Anthem titled Champion. This song is being done in partnership with VEGA Entertainment and was shot in downtown Los Angeles.
Q. What are your views on the semi-finals against India?
A. Well it was one of the most exciting matches of the tournament. Despite losing Gayle early we showed that our team had the determination and grit to fight it out. I think Simmons played a peach of an innings though I must admit luck was on our side. On the whole it was a great match and to beat India at home is one of the most difficult things. I am proud of it.
Q. Which innings in Tests would you rate as your best ever? Any particular reason why you would rate this so special?
A. Without a d doubt it has got to be my knock of 113 in first Test in Australia in 2005. The reason for this was quite simple. The West Indies were already in trouble when I came up to bat and I had to face a strong bowling attack of Brett Lee, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Stuart MacGill. It was very special for me because I was a kid then and was always told that once you could score in Australia, you could score anywhere in the world. So being able to score 113 runs meant a lot to me.
Q. Have you set any specific goal for yourself ? Can you give us your targets that you have set in batting and bowling?
A. In every team I play for, my goal and aim is to bowl well and finish off games with both bat and ball. So far I’ve been doing a great job with the ball. I know I’m one knock away from doing something with the bat and hopefully that comes in the finals!
Q. Who is your ideal batsman? Any specific reason why you admire this person?
A. This answer is always the same. Brian Charles Lara. He is one of the best to ever play the game and I love his style of batting. He has been my hero since I was five years old. His hailing from the same village in Trinidad where I belong is an added bonus.
Q. Which format do you enjoy playing the most? Any reason why you like the particular format?
A. To be honest I just love cricket so I love all formats. I don’t have a favourite. I love playing for any team, anywhere and every time I play I play with a lot of passion and heart. T20 seems more interesting and the entertainment factor is high but I love all forms. I am retired from test cricket but I was lucky enough to play about 40 tests.
Q. Have you any regrets retiring from Test cricket? Given a chance would you like to be back playing Tests again?
A. Well I was definitely disappointed when I was not playing for 5 years. Up to my retirement I was still disappointed as I wanted to improve on some of my stats but I have no regrets. I don’t see WI cricket improving in the test format and I think the hope is in the shorter format and I have and will channel my energy there.