(Source X)
West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder has issued a strong message to the England team ahead of their upcoming Tests. Holder commended the West Indies’ youthful squad for their remarkable victory over Australia earlier this year.
During the 2024 tour, Jason Holder was absent as the West Indies achieved an impressive 1-1 draw in Australia, marking a historic win. Despite losing the first match, the Caribbean team bounced back brilliantly in the second Test.
This victory was especially significant as it marked West Indies’ first Test win in Australia since 1998 and their first triumph over Australia in the 21st century. Led by K Brathwaite, the Caribbean side triumphed at The Gabba, a venue where Australia had previously been invincible in series contests.
I have missed Test cricket and I am looking forward to it: Jason Holder
The West Indies are gearing up for their next challenge in England, and this time they will be strengthened by the return of their star all-rounder, Jason Holder. Looking ahead to the England vs West Indies Test series, Holder expressed his eagerness to return to Test cricket, emphasizing how much he has missed the format.
“I was so happy for the boys when they did what they did in Australia. It gave me a renewed energy to come back to the group and be a part of something special again. I have missed Test cricket, and I am looking forward to it,” Holder told Sky Sports.
Holder also delivered a clear message to the England team, asserting that the West Indies are determined to clinch the series with their exceptional talent and skills.
“It’s important [to build on Australia]. I think the guys took a lot from that. We are coming out to win this series. We have some special talent in the dressing room. It’s just about playing solid cricket and having belief. We have been doing some really positive things for the last couple of months, and as a young side the main thing is to keep learning,” the all-rounder further said.
There is no better time for us to beat England than now: Holder fires warning
Jason Holder, who last featured in the T20I series against Australia back in February during the same tour, is now setting his sights on defeating England in the upcoming series. He believes it’s the perfect opportunity to outplay Ben Stokes & Co.
“We won one Test last time and are looking to take it further, and two would be a lot better on this trip. There is no better time for us to beat England than now. I think that would be a great feat and nothing this team is short of,” he concluded.
The first Test of the England vs West Indies series kicks off on July 10 at Lord’s. This series consists of three matches, scheduled between July 18 and July 26. It’s important to note that this ENG vs WI contest will exclusively feature Test matches.
