Brathwaite dreaming of BBL berth

Fresh off his match-winning knock for the West Indies in last night’s World Twenty20 final, big-hitting Carlos Brathwaite says it's his "dream" to play in the KFC Big Bash League.

Brathwaite struck four consecutive sixes in the last over of the match, bowled by England’s Ben Stokes, and chipped in with three wickets to deliver a remarkable victory for the Windies.

International commitments permitting, the allrounder said he’d jump at the opportunity to play in the BBL and revealed he has discussed it previously with Melbourne Stars captain and Caribbean Premier League teammate David Hussey.

“Well hopefully, that’s also a dream,” he said of playing in Australia. 

“Once the franchises are interested and once Test cricket or international cricket allows then I’m available.

“David Hussey has been speaking to me since we played together at the (CPL team, the Antigua) Hawks Bills.

“I don’t think it’s ever quite materialised but congrats to him as well with Melbourne (Stars) and the job he’s been doing with them, but whatever opportunities arise, I’m available.”

Hussey’s Stars lost to the Sydney Thunder in the BBL|05 final and the Melbourne side have Englishmen Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright locked in as their overseas players for the next couple of seasons.

But playing Down Under was likely the furthest thing from Brathwaite’s mind last night, as he and his teammates danced and sung their way through the post-match ceremony, and long into the night.

A number of high-profile West Indians joined the celebrations, with Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world and a noted cricket fan, recording his own version of the ‘Champion’ dance.

While it was “unreal” to receive a message of support from the Jamaican sprinter, Brathwaite also gave a “shout out” to pop-star Rihanna.

The pair, along with England fast-bowler Chris Jordan, are no strangers to one another, with the trio all having gone to the same high-school in Barbados.

“I’ll give a shout out to Rhianna,” Brathwaite said.

“Hopefully (I can) get in contact with her, take a photo of her with the World Cup. That’d be the stuff dreams are made of.

“I want to wish her well, continue doing what she’s doing not only for the Caribbean but for our own land Barbados.”

Brathwaite saved a special tribute for former West Indies legend Clive Lloyd, a two-time World Cup-winning captain and now a selector with the team.

Lloyd recently notched his 50th year of involvement in West Indies’ cricket and the 71 year old joined on the team’s festivities, with captain Darren Sammy recording him doing the ‘Champion’ dance as well.

“He was the first champion for the West Indies,” Brathwaite said. 

“It was his 50th year involved in West Indian cricket, a momentous occasion for us.

“To be able to celebrate with the man who started the World Cup triumphs was amazing.

“Not only during this tournament, but throughout the tour of Australia he’s always been there and it’s good to have someone to bounce ideas and questions off.

“He’s been there, he’s done it all and to be able to do what he did, to win a trophy in his presence and to share the moment with him was surreal.”