Kraigg Brathwaite set to fulfil childhood dream with 100th Test appearance

When Kraigg Brathwaite walks out to open the batting against Australia in Grenada on Thursday, it won't just be another Test match. It will mark the realisation of a dream first voiced nearly two decades ago by a determined 14-year-old boy from Barbados.

Brathwaite is set to become only the 10th cricketer in West Indies history to reach the prestigious milestone of 100 Test appearances — joining an illustrious group that includes legends such as Sir Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd, Brian Lara, and Gordon Greenidge.

"I set that goal when I was probably 14 years old — to play 100 Tests," Brathwaite said on the eve of the second Test. "Now I'm here, 18 years later. I just want to be an inspiration for the younger lads to follow."

That long journey began in 2011, when an 18-year-old Brathwaite made his debut against Pakistan in Basseterre. His scores — 15 and 0 — were hardly memorable, but a spark had been ignited. Just a few matches later, a composed half-century against Bangladesh in Mirpur offered an early glimpse of the grit and patience that would come to define his career.

Across 99 Tests, Brathwaite has amassed 5,943 runs, including 12 centuries, and has captained the side on 39 occasions. No West Indian in history has faced more deliveries in Test cricket — a reflection of his resilience and importance at the top of the order.

But the path to success wasn't without its challenges. It took him three years to reach his maiden Test century — a breakthrough that came in Port of Spain in 2014 against New Zealand.

"My first hundred was a feeling I can't really describe," he recalled. "I didn't believe I'd be that close, and when I got it, I couldn't believe I had scored a hundred for West Indies. That really meant a lot and helped me push forward."

A few months later, Brathwaite went on to score his first double century — a commanding 212 in Kingstown — and capped off 2014 with a Boxing Day hundred in South Africa, finishing the year with 701 runs at an average of 77.88.

Throughout his career, Brathwaite has remained anchored by the principles of hard work, discipline, and humility.

"Grenada is a special place for me, and I'm looking forward to my 100th Test match," he said. "Whatever it may be, from a young age you can set your goals and targets that you want to achieve. Work hard through the tough times and the good times. Stay disciplined and never take it for granted."

From a teenage dreamer to a centurion of Test cricket, Kraigg Brathwaite's legacy is already woven into the rich tapestry of West Indies cricket — built one gritty innings at a time.