West Indies Test captain Jason Holder speaks about his role in the side
West Indies Test captain Jason Holder has said he will do "whatever the team requires” ahead of the crucial third Test against India but also spoke about his ideal role in the side. Although he has only taken 22 wickets in Tests, he has scored a century and four fifties despite never batting higher than No.7.
Speaking about his role in the side, Holder said: "For me, I just try to do whatever the team requires. Currently, I'm playing as a bowling allrounder, I think my first priority is to bowl. I was very pleased with the way I bowled in the last Test, particularly.
“I didn't think I got enough wickets, the wickets column wasn't as fruitful as I wanted it to be. Having said that, the beauty about my spell, for me, was remaining patient. I think on another day, you may get two or three more wickets."
In the second Test against India, he only picked up one wicket despite bowling 34.2. Although he was economical, his unbeaten 64 proved more crucial in helping West Indies save the match on the final day.
“For me, [it's important] just contributing to the team's cause, just make sure every time I bat I score some runs, at least steady the ship. Most of the times, when I've batted in recent times, I've been under a bit of pressure, I think that brings out the best in me. I like those situations when I am being heavily relied on. You just knuckle down and play a memorable innings."
Speaking about where he would prefer to bat, the West Indies captain who averages nearly 30 in Tests, said: "Ideally, I would love to move up the order and bat higher up for the West Indies in the future. I guess I have to just keep doing my job and when I get the opportunity, make the most of it."
WI might play extra seamer: Holder
The pitch in St Lucia is expected to provide pace and bounce and the Windies skipper said that the team combination will be adjusted accordingly.
“If you look at the pitch here, there seems to be a little bit of grass," Holder said. "There's a strong possibility that we may have a change in terms of our bowling department, we may think about the extra seamer. That's pretty much it.
“This wicket here, over the years, has played quicker than most pitches in the Caribbean. For me, I think it's the best cricket pitch in the Caribbean in terms of carry and assistance for the quicker bowlers. So, there's a strong possibility that you may see an extra seamer."
Speaking about the team's batting, he said: "For me, if I look back at the first two Test matches, the difference is that the top order hasn't really been getting in. I think they need to work a little harder in getting in.
"Once they get in, the likes of [Darren] Bravo and [Kraigg] Brathwaite and [Marlon] Samuels, we all know what they can do once they get a start. It's just about just getting a start, and get themselves going and carry it on from there."