NEW DELHI: West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder is set to face England in the upcoming Test match at Lord’s, feeling encouraged by his team’s triumphant performance in Australia a few months ago, despite his absence.
Holder opted out of the Australia series to participate in the ILT20 tournament held in the UAE in January, as part of his preparations for the recently concluded T20 World Cup hosted by the West Indies and the United States. Unfortunately, the West Indies team did not advance to the semi-finals of the tournament.
The decision made by Holder highlights the increasing pressure on multi-format players due to the packed cricket calendar and the rise of profitable franchise leagues. These leagues are especially appealing to players from less affluent cricketing nations, such as the West Indies.
“I guess over a period of time, there’ll be a solution, whatever that may be,” Holder, as quoted by AFP, told reporters at Lord’s on Monday.
“I guess so far, we haven’t stumbled upon the solution but it is what it is.
“You see a couple of Kiwi (New Zealand) players have just turned down central contracts, a couple of South African players have turned down central contracts.
“So it is where the game is moving. It’s not my job to find a solution. Each and every person has their own personal decision to make.”
Despite missing the 32-year-old Holder, the young West Indies team surprised everyone by leveling the series with a nail-biting eight-run triumph in Brisbane. The victory, which was their first Test win on Australian soil in nearly three decades, was largely due to the outstanding performance of fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who claimed seven wickets in the match.
“I was just so happy for the boys when they when they did what they did in Australia,” said Holder.
“It gave me a renewed energy to come back to the group and try to be a part of something special again.
“I missed Test cricket. This is my first Test match in a long time, (i’m) looking forward to it.”
Holder has geared up for the trio of matches against England by spending time playing for Worcestershire, a county cricket club.
“One hell of an experience,” said Holder of his time at New Road.
“It gave me new energy in terms of I got into a dressing room where I just felt loved.
“You know, the love that the boys showed me it was just second to none, and I was just really happy for that experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And I’m just grateful for Worcester for having me.”
West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales has recently been participating in county cricket, representing Sussex. During his stint, he had the opportunity to play a Championship match against Middlesex, which took place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
“The pitch for that game was so flat, that had nothing in it for the bowler,” said Seals. I hope the Test match isn’t that way.”
The last four series between England and the West Indies have all been won by the home side.
“I think it’s time for someone to break the shackles and no better time for us to come here and beat England,” said Holder.
“That would be an absolutely great feat. I believe in every individual in this group.”
Holder opted out of the Australia series to participate in the ILT20 tournament held in the UAE in January, as part of his preparations for the recently concluded T20 World Cup hosted by the West Indies and the United States. Unfortunately, the West Indies team did not advance to the semi-finals of the tournament.
The decision made by Holder highlights the increasing pressure on multi-format players due to the packed cricket calendar and the rise of profitable franchise leagues. These leagues are especially appealing to players from less affluent cricketing nations, such as the West Indies.
“I guess over a period of time, there’ll be a solution, whatever that may be,” Holder, as quoted by AFP, told reporters at Lord’s on Monday.
“I guess so far, we haven’t stumbled upon the solution but it is what it is.
“You see a couple of Kiwi (New Zealand) players have just turned down central contracts, a couple of South African players have turned down central contracts.
“So it is where the game is moving. It’s not my job to find a solution. Each and every person has their own personal decision to make.”
Despite missing the 32-year-old Holder, the young West Indies team surprised everyone by leveling the series with a nail-biting eight-run triumph in Brisbane. The victory, which was their first Test win on Australian soil in nearly three decades, was largely due to the outstanding performance of fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who claimed seven wickets in the match.
“I was just so happy for the boys when they when they did what they did in Australia,” said Holder.
“It gave me a renewed energy to come back to the group and try to be a part of something special again.
“I missed Test cricket. This is my first Test match in a long time, (i’m) looking forward to it.”
Holder has geared up for the trio of matches against England by spending time playing for Worcestershire, a county cricket club.
“One hell of an experience,” said Holder of his time at New Road.
“It gave me new energy in terms of I got into a dressing room where I just felt loved.
“You know, the love that the boys showed me it was just second to none, and I was just really happy for that experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And I’m just grateful for Worcester for having me.”
West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales has recently been participating in county cricket, representing Sussex. During his stint, he had the opportunity to play a Championship match against Middlesex, which took place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
“The pitch for that game was so flat, that had nothing in it for the bowler,” said Seals. I hope the Test match isn’t that way.”
The last four series between England and the West Indies have all been won by the home side.
“I think it’s time for someone to break the shackles and no better time for us to come here and beat England,” said Holder.
“That would be an absolutely great feat. I believe in every individual in this group.”