Jason Holder “Integral” part of West Indies cricket: Chief selector Roger Harper

West Indies chief selector Roger Harper said that despite losing red ball captaincy after five and a half years in the role, fast bowler Jason Holder is still “integral”. He also said that this is an opportunity for the holder to take his game to a “higher level”. On Thursday, Cricket West Indies appointed Craig Brathwaite as the Windies Test captain and Holder was relieved of his duties. Brathwaite led to a 2–0 series win in Bangladesh last month as Holder was ruled out of the tour due to fatigue and concerns about the Kovid-19 protocol.

“We should appreciate what Jason has done as a captain. He came at a very young age, took the captaincy at a time when the team was a bit turbulent, and he grew and performed with the job. He was a success. Had his moments. ESPNcricinfo quoted Harper as one of the leading all-rounders in the world as a player.

“I really think Jason is a very integral part of the Test team and West Indies cricket. He plays all three formats and I think it’s really for him to focus on taking his game to a higher level. The opportunity is there. I think he did his best and handed over the captaincy to Cragg, this is an opportunity for the team to move forward, “he said.

Holder was included in the squad for the two-match Test series at home against Sri Lanka. There are many players in the Test team who recently competed in the 2–0 winning Test series in Bangladesh.

Two senior players who did not play in the Bangladesh series, all-rounder Holder and left-handed batsman Darren Bravo, are back in the Test squad, which will be led by Craig Brathwaite.

“I look forward to doing exceptionally well in his role as a player and as one of the senior players in this team as a leader. It’s great to hear that he has to say Cragg needs all the support and is committed to listening. The new captain said he has very close ties. I think the West Indies is moving very well for cricket, “Harper said.

Promoted

The first Test will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium from 212 March. The selection panel also named the team for the XI of the CWI president to face Sri Lanka in a two-day warm-up match at Coolidge Cricket Ground on March 17-18.

Windies team for 1st Test: Craig Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nakarmah Bonner, Darren Bravo, John Campbell, Rahkem Cornwall, Joshua Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Aljari Joseph, Kyle Meyer, Camer Roach , Jomel Warrican.