West Indies Batter Darren Bravo Takes Break From International Cricket After England ODIs Snub

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West Indies middle-order batter Darren Bravo announced on Sunday (November 26) of his decision to take a break from the international cricket after being subbed for the upcoming ODI series against England.

Darren, who is the younger brother of Dwayne Bravo, took to social media to announce his decision to step away from selection for West Indies after the national team selectors overlooked him for the home series against England, scheduled to start on December 3.

The left-handed batter last featured in internationals in February 2022. Bravo has represented West Indies in 200 games, scoring 3538 Test runs at an average of 36.47 with eight hundreds. In ODIs, he has 3109 runs at an average close to 30, with four tons.

He was a prolific performer in the recently concluded List A domestic competition in the West Indies, the Super50 Cup 2023, with 416 runs at an average of 83.2 and a strike rate of 92.03. He scored a century and three fifties.

Despite the performances, the batter missed the bus to the England series as the selection panel wanted to give an opportunity to the younger players, with an eye on the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday (November 26) morning, the younger Bravo explained in a post that the decision will give him time to reflect on his future as a cricketer.

"I've taken some time to ponder and wonder what's my next step moving forward as a cricketer," Bravo wrote. "At this point in my career, it's not easy or should I say it takes a lot to continue to find the energy, the passion, commitment, and discipline to be able to perform to the best of my ability and put myself in a position to make my return to international cricket."

"Without any level [of] communication, I've been left in a very dark place. At the moment, there [are] three teams representing the region in multiple formats/series.

"That's approximately 40-45 players and if I can't be in any of these teams after competing in our regional tournaments and scoring runs, therefore, they are basically telling me that the writing is on the wall."

While he is taking a break, Bravo made it clear that he wasn't fully done with international cricket just yet and wants to make room for a young rising talent to get an opportunity.

"I'm not giving up but I believe it's best to step away just for a bit and maybe make some room for a young and upcoming talent. I will end by wishing each and everyone all the very best."

Earlier, Darren's brother Dwayne had slammed the West Indies selectors, saying that "the system failed again" after his brother was excluded from the ODI squad against England.

"When will the BS [sic] stop?! I'm not surprised by my brother's non-selection, but with the recent changes in WI cricket management, I held onto a bit of hope for the better," Dwayne posted on Instagram.

"This is NOT acceptable, and I just can't make sense of it! So here are my burning questions: What's the criteria for West Indies team selection? Surely, it can't be solely based on performance?"