Joshua Da Silva: ‘This is what I want Test cricket to be like all of the time’

The Barmy Army are clearing their throats ahead of the series decider in Grenada and for Joshua Da Silva, the young wicketkeeper in what is an ambitious West Indies team, the noise they have generated so far on tour has been hugely welcome.

“Playing in front of the English fans has been an absolute pleasure,” says the 23-year-old, during a chat at the team hotel on Grand Anse beach. “I love the songs, the jokes, the laughter. This is what I want Test cricket to be like all of the time.

“Unfortunately we don’t get that here too often. It’s asking a lot for people to leave jobs during the week, not many in the region are financially able to do so. But the Barmy Army has pushed us on to play hard Test cricket in this series.”

This was in evidence in Barbados, when the stump mics overheard Da Silva joining in with the signing from the stands, tweaking the lyrics of “We are the Army” to “We are the West Indies Army” and chuckling along to his favourite song about Jonny Bairstow. Even while batting for over an hour on a tense final day, helping his captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, seal the draw, he couldn’t help but enjoy the English supporters willing his wicket to fall.

All square with one to play, the Botham-Richards Trophy now comes down to a single Test match and West Indies sound emboldened. Brathwaite’s epic innings of 160 and 56 not out over a combined 15 hours at the crease have inspired his players. Though a cool captain and one of few words in front of the cameras, Da Silva reveals he is a very different character in the dressing room.

“It would be a huge achievement to win this series. Kraigg has shown us the way and as a leader, he’s been brilliant,” says Da Silva. “I wish I could bat as long as him - that’s the