Kraigg Brathwaite pays tribute to tough West Indies: "That is the attitude we want"

The hosts batted for 252.5 overs across both of their innings during second Test to deny England victory at Kensingston Oval

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite has hailed the mental toughness of his team after batting out the second Test to secure a draw against England at Kensington Oval.

Brathwaite added a half-century to his first-innings 160 as the tourists fell five wickets short of victory.

Set 282 to win in 65 overs, early scalps meant the Windies were forced into survival mode but they soaked up mountains of pressure from England.

It leaves the series all square heading to the third Test in Grenada starting on Thursday (March 24).

"At the start, yes [we wanted to chase the target]," said Brathwaite. 

"But we lost some wickets which put us under a little pressure and from there it was just batting and spending time out there. 

"When we lost three quick wickets early we just had to stabilise the innings.

^{Brathwaite hopes there is more life in the Grenada pitch (Randy Brooks/Getty Images)}

"Back to back now, we’ve batted over 120 overs. In this innings, after England made 500, we batted for 180 overs. I thought that was remarkable. 

"We can only get better from here. We’ve just got to keep learning different periods of the game and, as a unit, we’ll get better.

"I thought we did a good job. We’ve just got to keep improving. Batting on the last day is never easy but we’re heading in the right direction."

The skipper is hopeful that after successive draws in Antigua and Barbados that there is more in the pitch in Grenada. "We'd like to see something for the pacers," he added. 

The 673 deliveries Brathwaite faced across both innings - 489 in the first and 184 in the second - was the most by a West Indies batter in Test history.

"That is amazing to hear, said the 29-year-old. "I've put a lot of work in during the years. To do it at home is a pleasing feeling. My family are here so I am very happy and thankful."