On Tuesday at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, a day before international cricket returns after the pandemic-imposed hiatus, West Indies captain Jason Holder was busy answering questions from reporters at Zoom. Amidst a series of questions ranging from dealing with the saliva ban and playing inside a bio-bubble, Holder also found himself answering about his captaincy.
“I think my captaincy has been made easier because we have people like Kemar Roach, Shane Dowrich, and Carlos Brathwaite on this team,” he said casually. It wasn’t just the case of a captain talking about his team before a major series. Since taking office five years ago, Holder, with his calm and discreet demeanor, has managed to inject a sense of purpose and direction into this team. Perhaps the supreme glory of his captaincy thus far came in February 2019, when he led from the front with the bat and ball to orchestrate a historic test series victory against the English in their homeland.
Since then, the 28-year-old has enjoyed a cult status in the Caribbean, with former players and experts praising him. “He is probably the most impressive West Indies captain since Sir Viv Richards,” Mike Atherton, a former England captain and one of the most respected voices in world cricket, said of Holder during a recent Sky Sports Podcast. “He has a very different style, his dignity is calm compared to Viv, who was very much on your face, but he is an enormously impressive guy,” added Atherton.
In a sense, Holder is an antithesis to some of his predecessors, as he combines firm determination with his general ability.
Holder, however, has not had an easy time. It has been a very bumpy ride to the top. In fact, during the early days of his captaincy, he was pushed into the role at 23, cut a sad figure, seemingly unable to draw an ounce of inspiration from his team. Those were tough days for West Indies cricket. Outside the field, the players and the board were involved in a contentious contractual dispute. In it, the team lacked unity and competitiveness despite obvious talent and talent.
However, Holder did his best to make his team act as a cohesive unit. But his attempt to massage the bruised egos of some of the older players came at a cost. With limited international experience (he had played only 21 ODI when he became captain), the early start to leadership had a huge effect on his performances. “When I took over, there were big names in the locker room. Although I had a good relationship with most of them, I tried too hard to keep everyone happy. In doing so, I walked away from my personal performances, “Holder told ESPNCricinfo.
The turning point came in 2016 before a tour of the United Arab Emirates, when Courtney Brown, chairman of selectors, served him an ultimatum: “It’s now or never … if you don’t do well against Pakistan, this will be your last tour, “he recalled in that interview. The West Indies lost that series 2-1, but Holder claimed his first five-wicket run in his third Test victory in Sharjah. He survived the ax and Sharjah’s victory increased his morale, both as a player as a captain.
“Before the captaincy, I am a player and my performances must stand out. I have to play my part for the team, “Holder said during Zoom’s call on Tuesday, before adding:” With bat in hand, I have to run, ball in hand, I have to take the wickets and on the countryside. I have to help the boys to take advantage of the possibilities. “The leadership will take effect after that and when I perform well on the bat, it gives me more confidence in the locker room.”
By 2018 Holder had grown into his leadership role and was more confident as a player. More than anything, having two seasoned fast bowlers at Roach and Shannon Gabriel, along with promising Alzarri Joseph, gave him the ammo to claim 20 wickets and takedown opposition teams more consistently. In the past two years, this three-pronged attack, along with Holder himself, has harassed hitters and claimed wickets at an impressive attack rate of 42.9, second only to that of India. During this period, the West Indies have achieved series victories against Bangladesh and England at home, and against Afghanistan in India.
The appearance of such a powerful rhythm attack has coincided with a rebound in Holder’s performances. The ATV has claimed 53 of its 106 scalp tests in its last 11 tests, averaging just over 14. In fact, five of its six five-wicket sets have arrived in this period. He has also been prolific at-bat, averaging more than 42, including a career-best 202 that wasn’t at home at the Kensington Oval in Barbados against England last year.
Ahead of the three-game test series against England that begins in Southampton on Wednesday in the shadow of the pandemic, Holder exudes confidence about his pace attack. “They are the reason why we have done well in the recent past. We have been practicing in England for the past four weeks. These guys are really fit and eager to try, “Holder said during Zoom’s call.
Despite the contribution of the pacemaker, the West Indies will also count on their captain to continue their comprehensive stellar contribution. If that happens, there is a fair chance they can claim their first series victory in England in 32 years.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.