Bravo, he's West Indies' heartbeat

Group D: Pakistan (4), West Indies (8), Zimbabwe (10), Ireland

DWAYNE Bravo (below) has been playing international cricket for fewer than three years, yet the West Indies all-rounder has already become the heartbeat of an emerging team.

The 23-year-old has an infectious effervescence. Whether it be capturing a crucial wicket, smashing boundaries in a tight run-chase or taking a wonder catch, he lifts the moods of teammates.

The West Indies will need Bravo to perform.

The right-handed batsman and seam bowler made his international debut in 2004. He quickly made his mark against England in one-dayers at home and then in his maiden Test series during the English summer.

That September, he had a crucial role as the West Indies won the ICC Champions Trophy at The Oval.

He is an ideal one-day player, yet his returns at Test level are even better. His first nine Tests produced centuries against South Africa and Australia as well as two six-wicket hauls.

Despite his personal success, Bravo has yet to be on the winning side after 19 Tests. The West Indies have been more successful in Bravo's 59 one-day internationals, winning 29 against 26 losses and four no-results.

A year ago in the Caribbean, he bowled a slower-ball yorker to dismiss a free-hitting Yuvraj Singh on 93 and secure a one-run victory that turned around the five-match one-day series against India.

'I love pressure, love a challenge, and it gets the best out of me,' Bravo said after that victory.

He comes from Santa Cruz, the same Trinidad district as his captain and role model, Brian Lara, who is 14 years his senior.

Bravo started his first-class career as an opening batsman with some promise as a bowler, but is now a world-class all-rounder.

He loves calypso and reggae music, and this oozes on the field when celebrating success with the latest Caribbean dance.

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