West Indies skipper Jason Holder suspended for third Test due to slow over rate

Rory Dollard 22:14 03/02/2019
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  • West Indies captain Jason Holder.

    West Indies captain Jason Holder has been suspended for the final Test against England due to his side’s slow over-rate.

    Holder has led the side brilliantly in the last two matches, sealing an unassailable 2-0 lead to secure the Wisden Trophy, but will not be around to finish the job in St Lucia next week.

    The International Cricket Council has imposed the suspension after the Windies failed to keep up with the required rate during their 10-wicket win in Antigua. The fact they wrapped up victory inside three days does not count in mitigation.

    Holder has previously been penalised in the same way, forced to sit out a Test against New Zealand in December 2017 after two over-rate breaches in a 12-month period.

    There is no like-for-like replacement for Holder – reliable seam bowlers who score unbeaten double centuries, as he did in the first Test, do not grow on trees – but Kraigg Brathwaite should take the captaincy reins.

    With the series won, the Windies could take the opportunity to hand his place in the side to Jamaican tyro Oshane Thomas. The strapping 21-year-old has played just eight first-class matches, but has been with the squad for the past two matches and has impressed attack leader Kemar Roach with his speed.

    “Oshane is a very talented cricketer, a young guy with raw pace,” Roach said.

    “He’s come in and learned a lot, worked hard on his fitness as well. I think he has a great future with the West Indies. It’s up to the selection panel if he plays, but it is good for him to be part of this squad, to gain some more confidence and move forward.”

    Roach has been the scourge of England’s batsman in the Caribbean, taking 13 wickets at 12.07.

    One of just two 30-year-olds in a young and fast-improving squad, the Barbadian feels both he and the team are making up for lost time on the Test stage.

    “It’s time. But I thought it was time five years ago. We’re late in that regard,” he said.

    “But it’s never too late in cricket, I think once you put it together, gel as a team and work hard for each other then it will come. Test performances will come and you’ll get more series like this one.

    “It has definitely been one of the best series of my career, I’m extremely proud of myself and of the team. It’s a great feeling. This rivalry goes way, way back, between us and England and to win in front of your home fans is amazing.”

    Provided by Press Association Sport

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