Barbados and West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite has signalled his eagerness and readiness to return to the field when the West Indies first-class championship starts later this month.Brathwaite underscored the value of the four-day matches, pointing out they would be ideal preparation for the upcoming three-match Test series against England next month.The 29-year-old, the region’s marquee opening batsman, will lead Barbados Pride against Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Kensington Oval when the red ball season opens next Wednesday.“I always see myself as a leader in the Barbados team and I’m happy to get back into ‘game mode’ and play for the country,” said Brathwaite, who guided Pride to the capture of the last first class title in 2020.“There are a few youngsters in the team and I’m happy to see we have a good blend of experience and youth in the set-up.”
