Locked and loaded, Holder and company in high spirits

West Indies v England Test preview…

By Brandon Corlette

West Indies captain Jason Holder believes his team has a good opportunity to create history and win a series in England, something not done since 1988.

On the eve of the decisive third Test match, Holder, who was at his best in being discreet in terms of selection of the team, posited that the players in the dressing room are in high spirits despite being defeated in the second Test.
Holder noted that the West Indies are motivated to keep pushing for greatness despite the quick turnaround between Test matches. The captain has said he would view the pitch on the morning of the Test and make the necessary selection of the starting XI.
The West Indies began the series in grand style, and had their moments in the second Test, but the result was against them. The spirit shown by the group has impressed, but the batsmen have failed to convert those starts, with eight half-centuries being scored.
“All our players have my full backing. More or less, it is giving them support, and I am 100% behind Shai. We all know what he can do at this level. He is arguably one of the best ODI batsmen in the world, and we know the calibre of player he can be. I have full confidence in Shai to get some runs, and he is not far from converting the starts into something really special,” Holder said of Hope.
In terms of the pacemen and the workload, Holder highlighted that these players have been doing this (playing Test cricket) for a number of years. “These guys have done it before. Yes, the turnaround is short, but these guys have done it before, and I am not too worried,” he posited.

In addition to the batting, which requires improvement in the final Test, Holder noted that the fielding must be up to scratch for this big Test.
In terms of calling up a reserve player, Holder seemingly does not see any need to do so. “Just the 15 we have selected, unless someone is injured at the last moment, and then we have to replace them,” he said.
Holder posited that the key to win this Test which starts today is a combination of taking 20 wickets and setting up a solid first innings total. “Once we get these two things happening, we get the Test in the direction we want it to go in,” Holder explained.
In terms of Rahkeem Cornwall being selected, Holder hinted that Cornwall would be a big contribution to the team, and he would be the best spinner on show if it is a turning pitch. “If he does come in, he is a wicket-taker and he has proven to be a match winner; and not only at the Regional level, but in his last Test match he played, he got 13 wickets. I think he is a quality spinner and, no doubt, he will be the best spinner on show.”
Holder also noted that Cornwall is a good slip catcher, a solid contributor with the bat, and brings a wealth of control with his spin bowling.
The first ball of the final Test at Old Trafford will bowl off from 6:00h local time, today: Friday July 24.