‘India series is a tough challenge for us’: Holder

Dec 31, 2018 at 2:04 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
‘India series is a tough challenge for us’: Holder

West Indies captain Jason Holder the India series will be the tough challenge for his young and inexperienced team as No. 2 India have quality bowling and batting attack for the four-match Test series in the Caribbean starting from July 21.

“It’s going to be a tough series. India is ranked number 2 for a reason. They have a quality batting line-up and a quality bowling as well. It will be a tough challenge for this young Test team,” said Holder.

“Our Test team is a very inexperienced one, it is one that needs time to gel together and needs time to put performances together and get to know one another a little bit more. We’re practically in a transitional phase and we’re trying to groom a Test team and it will take time.

“One of the big things we fell down in the past is batting 90 overs in a day and setting up a good first innings total. That is something I want to keep stressing in the dressing room. It is important we set the tone whether batting first or bowling first,” he was quoted as saying in ‘Barbados Today’. “For me, I need some runs. I scored a hundred last year and haven’t had one for a while. I’m at least looking to get a century this series.

“In terms of bowling, I’m yet to get a 5-wicket haul in Test cricket. So there are a few milestones for me to look ahead to and to look to accomplish. Personally, for me, it is to pick up that first 5-wicket haul and to look to continue on and score some runs.”

Holder has suffered a hamstring injury in the middle of the tri-series against South Africa and Australia last month but made a comeback in the penultimate game.

West Indies players were playing in the CPL, they joined the preparatory camp for the Test series on Monday. Holder said he is ready for the grueling Test series which begins with the opening Test on July 21 at Antigua.

“Yeah, I’m ready for the series. I feel well rested and it’s work time. Again it’s a quick turnaround time, just 2 weeks at home, would’ve loved to have a bit more time off but that’s how the international schedule goes.”

Holder made his Test debut as a 22-year-old and become the Test captain in 2016.  He said he is not unhappy with the progress so far.

Holder, who made a Test debut in 2014 before becoming the captain in 2016, said he is not too disappointed with his progress so far.

“I probably didn’t expect to have a Test century at this stage batting at number 7 and 8 because it’s tough to get a century in those positions, so I’m not too disappointed with my progression.

“Obviously, I think it could’ve been a lot better. Ideally, I would like to average 35 plus with the bat and be able to pick up a few more wickets.”

Related Article
Jasprit Bumrah Yet To Join Team India In Rajkot For 3rd IND vs ENG Test: Report
Jasprit Bumrah Yet To Join Team India In Rajkot For 3rd IND vs ENG Test: Report

Feb 14, 2024, 8:37 AM


India vs England: Training Photos All But Confirm Test Debut For Dhruv Jurel And Sarfaraz Khan
India vs England: Training Photos All But Confirm Test Debut For Dhruv Jurel And Sarfaraz Khan

Feb 13, 2024, 3:29 PM


BCCI Makes It Mandatory For Players To Play Domestic Cricket
BCCI Makes It Mandatory For Players To Play Domestic Cricket

Feb 13, 2024, 10:17 AM


Ravindra Jadeja Doubtful For 3rd Test, Still Not Fully Fit: Report
Ravindra Jadeja Doubtful For 3rd Test, Still Not Fully Fit: Report

Feb 13, 2024, 10:01 AM


Sarfaraz Khan To Debut In Rajkot, India To Have A New-Look Middle-Order For 3rd Test
Sarfaraz Khan To Debut In Rajkot, India To Have A New-Look Middle-Order For 3rd Test

Feb 13, 2024, 9:23 AM


KL Rahul Ruled Out Of Third Test Against England, Devdutt Padikkal Named As Replacement: Report
KL Rahul Ruled Out Of Third Test Against England, Devdutt Padikkal Named As Replacement: Report

Feb 12, 2024, 6:34 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner