Jason Holder confident of delivering with a young side
Dec 31, 2018 at 2:04 PM
West Indies fast bowler Jason Holder will be leading a young and inexperienced side against the mighty Indians when the four-match Test series begins on July 21 at Antigua. However, Holder, who has himself played only 13 Tests, insisted that he has immense confidence in the youngsters’ ability. Interacting with the media on the eve of the first Test, Holder said that the players are desperate to make a mark in International cricket.
“Most of these guys have performed really well in the domestic competition,” Holder said. “You’ve got young Roston Chase, who’s in the squad for the first time. He averages around 40 in first-class cricket. You’ve got Shane Dowrich, who’s been doing well over the last few seasons. Leon Johnson had a really good season. Those are just a few names who did well back in the first-class competitions. So I think all of them are really eager for an opportunity and I’m very very eager to go into the competition with them.”
“I think what motivates this young group is that everyone is trying to make a mark on international scene. It’s a very young team. Many of us are looking at finding our way in international cricket. I think it’s important for the youngsters to just come in, to make their mark and solidify their place in the team, and to make a name for themselves. You know there is a rich legacy in West Indies cricket. Many of the young players are looking to make a legacy for themselves,” Holder opined.
West Indies’ bowling line-up is comparatively more inexperienced than their batting. The selectors ignored senior pacers- Kemar Roach and Jerome Taylor for the series and rather preferred to name a young attack. While Miguel Cummins will be making his debut in the series, Carlos Braithwaite has played just two Tests. The most experienced pacer in the team, Shannon Gabriel, has played only 16 Tests. But Holder is confident that they can do the job.
“You know, if you look at our side, we’ve got Miguel Cummins who’s come into the side, he’s done really well for the last two seasons in domestic cricket. You’ve got [Shannon] Gabriel, who’s been bowling really well, but has been struggling from injuries. He’s fit and ready to go. Carlos Brathwaite and myself, you know, are the two seamers and we are just looking to do what we’re asked to do.
“I think it’s important that each one knows their role. You know Shannon’s obviously a fast and aggressive bowler. Miguel similarly. Myself and Carlos, we’re mainly the workhorses in the unit. You just have to know your role. I don’t think there’s pressure really. Once you know understand your role, you perform your role.”
West Indies’ performance in the limited overs’ format is satisfactory nowadays. After winnng the World T20 title, they reached the final of the recently concluded tri-series where they were beaten by Australia. But their form in Test cricket is the biggest concern for the team management. Holder said that progressing in all the formats is their ultimate aim.
“You know that’s the ultimate aim [to be equally competitive in all three formats]. We’ve got a young side, and it’s good to see we have some young faces. We’re looking to build something. In the last series we played in Australia, we didn’t start really well. Moving on into the Test series, we got significantly better. All I stress and address with the guys is to keep improving. You can’t expect leaps and bounds, too much from a very young side. Once we get the steady progression in terms of improvement, I think we’ll move forward.”
When quizzed about his team’s preparations to bowl against a strong Indian batting line-up, Holder said: “The name of Test cricket is discipline, when it comes to bowling. Where we fell down in the past is not being as disciplined as we would like. We’ve stressed discipline and being patient for longer periods. We come in and string together a good session but we tend to falter or fall off going deeper into the day. So far, what I’ve seen in the nets I’m really, really pleased. The bowlers look good and we need to transfer that into the game.”