Dwayne Bravo wanted break to regain focus

Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies allrounder, has said he asked for a break for the "remainder of the ODI series" against India because he was "not happy" with his game at the moment. Bravo wanted to use the time off to "refocus, reflect" and return for the Test series starting on June 20. Bravo was granted the break by the WICB, after having played the first two ODIs following a six-game stint in the IPL this year with the Chennai Super Kings.

"I'm not happy about the way my cricket is at the moment," Bravo told Trinidad's Sunday Express. "I honestly believe I can do a lot better, so I would like to use this time to stay away from the game and refocus, reflect and use this opportunity to get rest and to try and get back my focus again."

Bravo was ruled out of the 2011 World Cup early in the tournament after he injured his knee during the game against South Africa. He played the ODI series against Pakistan before skipping the Tests to play in the IPL. He's played 10 ODIs this year, averaging 47.71 with the ball for his seven wickets as opposed to a career average of 29.81. With the bat, he's averaged 24.37 this year with a highest of 40.

"Sometimes in international cricket, because of the hectic schedule, it is difficult to catch form in the middle of tournaments and series, so I just asked for a break from the game for the remainder of the ODI series and look to rejoin the team for the beginning of the Test series."

The lack of momentum after returning from injury, Bravo said, was a problem. "At the beginning of the World Cup, I was coming back into my own in the warm-up games. I was feeling like I was getting back into my prime form again. And then in the first game in the World Cup, I twisted my knee and that was a big setback for me.

"After spending eight weeks out of the game and re-joining the team for the Pakistan ODI series with just one warm-up game after surgery, I struggled for momentum. At the latter end of the series I started getting my momentum again. Then I went off to the IPL, which was also a hectic time over there."

The need for a break was more for psychological reasons, Bravo said. "Obviously there are some technical aspects you could improve on, but it's more about regaining the focus and self-belief that I had before. Picking up injuries and being out of the game for so long is always difficult. ... It takes time."

Bravo was grateful his request for a break was granted. "I hope people respect my decision. I still have a lot of passion and desire to represent West Indies. In the long run, I believe I will benefit and West Indies cricket will benefit."