West Indies batting legend Brian Lara feels that Sunrisers Hyderabad need to look at building a side around tall all-rounder Jason Holder for the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season, adding that the skipper should be a local pick as it "allows them to manage overseas slots better". 
 
SRH had a forgettable IPL 2021, finishing the season last with only three wins from 14 games. They removed David Warner as skipper following a dismal run during the India leg and put New Zealand`s Kane Williamson in-charge of the side. However, their struggles continued and, on Friday, they lost the final league match of IPL 2021 to Mumbai Indians by 42 runs.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-playoffs-schedule-rishabh-pant-led-dc-face-ms-dhonis-csk-in-qualifier-1-rcb-kkr-to-play-eliminator-419342">IPL 2021 playoffs schedule: Rishabh Pant-led DC face MS Dhoni's CSK in Qualifier 1, RCB-KKR to play Eliminator</a> 
 
"Jason Holder is the shining light in a disastrous season. I`m not sure if he is an out-and-out T20 player, but I feel they can build a team around him," Lara told cricket.com on Saturday. 
 
Lara said having a local player as captain allows teams to be more flexible with their foreign recruits for the four slots in playing eleven. 
 
"It`s always great to have a local player to lead the side because you only have four selections in the playing XI and you are carrying the captain in that. There is a big auction coming up and SRH have a lot of shaking up to do. Let`s see how they will get the right group to move forward," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mumbai-indians-post-2359-a-look-at-top-five-highest-totals-in-ipl-history-419259">Mumbai Indians post 235/9: A look at top five highest totals in IPL history</a> 
 
Lara said that it was difficult to find positives in a side whose performance kept slipping with every match. 
 
"It`s tough to pinpoint any positives. Rashid Khan was not at his best. They lost Jonny Bairstow and they got Jason Roy, there is not much they gained from that," Lara said. 
 
However Lara praised the Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians, who despite bowing out of the tournament on Friday, scored their highest ever total in the IPL. 
 
"Mumbai scored their highest ever total in the IPL, so where was 75 per cent of that effort in previous matches which would`ve kept them in the tournament. They went from abysmal to outstanding. It was about personality, the way Ishan Kishan (84) and Suryakumar Yadav (82) batted so well. The IPL is just six months away so I think they will carry this into the next tournament just like CSK did from IPL 2020. 
 
"Mumbai Indians had an equation which was almost impossible but they gave it a go. But they will be happy that the Indian players got good runs ahead of World Cup," Lara added.

West Indies batting legend Brian Lara feels that Sunrisers Hyderabad need to look at building a side around tall all-rounder Jason Holder for the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season, adding that the skipper should be a local pick as it "allows them to manage overseas slots better".

West Indies batting legend Brian Lara feels that Sunrisers Hyderabad need to look at building a side around tall all-rounder Jason Holder for the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season, adding that the skipper should be a local pick as it "allows them to manage overseas slots better". SRH had a forgettable IPL 2021, finishing the season last with only three wins from 14 games. They removed David Warner as skipper following a dismal run during the India leg and put New Zealand`s Kane Williamson in-charge of the side. However, their struggles continued and, on Friday, they lost the final league match of IPL 2021 to Mumbai Indians by 42 runs. Also Read: IPL 2021 playoffs schedule: Rishabh Pant-led DC face MS Dhoni's CSK in Qualifier 1, RCB-KKR to play Eliminator "Jason Holder is the shining light in a disastrous season. I`m not sure if he is an out-and-out T20 player, but I feel they can build a team around him," Lara told cricket.com on Saturday. Lara said having a local player as captain allows teams to be more flexible with their foreign recruits for the four slots in playing eleven. "It`s always great to have a local player to lead the side because you only have four selections in the playing XI and you are carrying the captain in that. There is a big auction coming up and SRH have a lot of shaking up to do. Let`s see how they will get the right group to move forward," he said. ALSO READ | Mumbai Indians post 235/9: A look at top five highest totals in IPL history Lara said that it was difficult to find positives in a side whose performance kept slipping with every match. "It`s tough to pinpoint any positives. Rashid Khan was not at his best. They lost Jonny Bairstow and they got Jason Roy, there is not much they gained from that," Lara said. However Lara praised the Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians, who despite bowing out of the tournament on Friday, scored their highest ever total in the IPL. "Mumbai scored their highest ever total in the IPL, so where was 75 per cent of that effort in previous matches which would`ve kept them in the tournament. They went from abysmal to outstanding. It was about personality, the way Ishan Kishan (84) and Suryakumar Yadav (82) batted so well. The IPL is just six months away so I think they will carry this into the next tournament just like CSK did from IPL 2020. "Mumbai Indians had an equation which was almost impossible but they gave it a go. But they will be happy that the Indian players got good runs ahead of World Cup," Lara added.

Sunrisers Hyderabad should build their side around Jason Holder next season: Brian Lara

West Indies players were forced to "play cricket" in their locker room after heavy rain and a sodden outfield resulted in the abandonment of the second day's play of the second Test against Pakistan at Sabina Park on Saturday (August 21) without a ball being bowled.&nbsp;

However, the video that emerged from the dressing room is epic as the players are not only enjoying cricket but also hilariously asking for a review over the dismissal of the batsman.&nbsp;

In the video, posted by the official handle of Twitter by Cricket West Indies, spinner Jomel Warrican can be seen batting and pacer Chemar Holder was bowling.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-root-was-undeniably-let-down-by-some-of-his-senior-players-says-michael-vaughan-407574">'Joe Root was undeniably let down by some of his senior players', says Michael Vaughan</a>

The batsman opted to leave the ball but the bowler and other players started to celebrate LBW dismissal as it appeared in the video that the ball has hit his right knee.&nbsp;

Well, it wasn't the end, the former team captain Jason Holder had to step in as the third umpire and track the ball in slow motion. He also checked the pitching to give the final decision, which is out.&nbsp;

Don't miss Shamarh Brooks, who is performing the on-field umpire duties.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ms-dhoni-announces-return-of-ipl-2021-in-a-never-before-seen-avatar-407355" hreflang="en">Watch: MS Dhoni announces return of IPL 2021 in a never-before-seen avatar</a>

Watch the funny video here:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Meanwhile in the West Indies locker room...🤣🤣 
 
Jomel Warrican calls for a player review after being signalled LBW off a delivery from Chemar Holder. 
 
3rd umpire <a href="https://twitter.com/Jaseholder98?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jaseholder98</a> reviews ball tracking and has made a decision for the "big screen"! 😅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MenInMaroon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MenInMaroon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RainDelay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RainDelay</a> <a href="https://t.co/RHiOY5Mt0Q">pic.twitter.com/RHiOY5Mt0Q</a>
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/windiescricket/status/1429109245291728900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As the match is considered, Pakistan will resume their first innings on the third day, weather permitting, at 212 for four after they were put in to bat.&nbsp;

Having lost the first Test at the same venue a week earlier by one wicket, the visitors will see the loss of the day as a setback to their quest for a series-levelling victory.

West Indies are seeking their first Test series victory over Pakistan for 21 years.&nbsp;

West Indies players were forced to "play cricket" in their locker room after heavy rain and a sodden outfield resulted in the abandonment of the second day's play of the second Test against Pakistan at Sabina Park on Saturday (August 21) without a ball being bowled.

West Indies players were forced to "play cricket" in their locker room after heavy rain and a sodden outfield resulted in the abandonment of the second day's play of the second Test against Pakistan at Sabina Park on Saturday (August 21) without a ball being bowled. However, the video that emerged from the dressing room is epic as the players are not only enjoying cricket but also hilariously asking for a review over the dismissal of the batsman. In the video, posted by the official handle of Twitter by Cricket West Indies, spinner Jomel Warrican can be seen batting and pacer Chemar Holder was bowling. ALSO READ | 'Joe Root was undeniably let down by some of his senior players', says Michael Vaughan The batsman opted to leave the ball but the bowler and other players started to celebrate LBW dismissal as it appeared in the video that the ball has hit his right knee. Well, it wasn't the end, the former team captain Jason Holder had to step in as the third umpire and track the ball in slow motion. He also checked the pitching to give the final decision, which is out. Don't miss Shamarh Brooks, who is performing the on-field umpire duties. ALSO READ: Watch: MS Dhoni announces return of IPL 2021 in a never-before-seen avatar Watch the funny video here: Meanwhile in the West Indies locker room...🤣🤣 Jomel Warrican calls for a player review after being signalled LBW off a delivery from Chemar Holder. 3rd umpire @Jaseholder98 reviews ball tracking and has made a decision for the "big screen"! 😅#MenInMaroon #RainDelay pic.twitter.com/RHiOY5Mt0Q — Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 21, 2021 × As the match is considered, Pakistan will resume their first innings on the third day, weather permitting, at 212 for four after they were put in to bat. Having lost the first Test at the same venue a week earlier by one wicket, the visitors will see the loss of the day as a setback to their quest for a series-levelling victory. West Indies are seeking their first Test series victory over Pakistan for 21 years.

Watch: Hilarious video of West Indies players calling for DRS during 'locker room cricket' goes viral

The West Indies cruised to a four-wicket win with 12 overs remaining against Australia in Bridgetown on Saturday to claim the second one-day international (ODI) between the nations and level up the series.

Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder shared a 93-run partnership for the sixth wicket to effectively seal the win for the West Indies after the top of the order had struggled in the early chase of Australia's 187 total.

"It's pleasing to win," said West Indies captain Keiron Pollard.

"Obviously, when you start a&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;match you want to win, but to say I'm overall pleased with our performance throughout the entire game, I think we have some work to do."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-prithvi-shaw-suryakumar-yadav-and-jayant-yadav-set-to-join-indian-team-in-england-reports-400304" hreflang="en">Cricket: Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jayant Yadav set to join Indian team in England: Reports</a>

The game started 48 hours later than originally scheduled after it was postponed on Thursday following a COVID-19 case within the West Indies camp.

Australia won the first ODI by 133 runs but set the West Indies a total of 188 to win after Australia's lower order batsman launched a salvage mission when the openers slumped.

Ben McDermott fell to the fourth ball of the day with one run on the scorecard and when Ashton Turner was bowled by Akeal Hosein the Australians had lost their sixth wicket for only 45 runs.

The lower order launched a comeback, however, with Matthew Wade and Adam Zampa hitting 36 runs each and No. 10 Wes Agar top scoring for the Australians with 41 from 36 balls.

The hosts struggled in the opening stages of their innings with Evin Lewis and Darren Bravo both falling early before Pooran and Holder came together to push the West Indies towards the win.

Holder eventually fell to Mitchell Starc 23 runs short of victory to leave Alzarri Jospeh to thump Ashton Turner for four to earn the West Indies a four-wicket win with 12 overs to spare.

The teams meet again in the third and final match in the series on Monday.

The West Indies cruised to a four-wicket win with 12 overs remaining against Australia in Bridgetown on Saturday to claim the second one-day international (ODI) between the nations and level up the series.

The West Indies cruised to a four-wicket win with 12 overs remaining against Australia in Bridgetown on Saturday to claim the second one-day international (ODI) between the nations and level up the series. Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder shared a 93-run partnership for the sixth wicket to effectively seal the win for the West Indies after the top of the order had struggled in the early chase of Australia's 187 total. "It's pleasing to win," said West Indies captain Keiron Pollard. "Obviously, when you start a cricket match you want to win, but to say I'm overall pleased with our performance throughout the entire game, I think we have some work to do." ALSO READ: Cricket: Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jayant Yadav set to join Indian team in England: Reports The game started 48 hours later than originally scheduled after it was postponed on Thursday following a COVID-19 case within the West Indies camp. Australia won the first ODI by 133 runs but set the West Indies a total of 188 to win after Australia's lower order batsman launched a salvage mission when the openers slumped. Ben McDermott fell to the fourth ball of the day with one run on the scorecard and when Ashton Turner was bowled by Akeal Hosein the Australians had lost their sixth wicket for only 45 runs. The lower order launched a comeback, however, with Matthew Wade and Adam Zampa hitting 36 runs each and No. 10 Wes Agar top scoring for the Australians with 41 from 36 balls. The hosts struggled in the opening stages of their innings with Evin Lewis and Darren Bravo both falling early before Pooran and Holder came together to push the West Indies towards the win. Holder eventually fell to Mitchell Starc 23 runs short of victory to leave Alzarri Jospeh to thump Ashton Turner for four to earn the West Indies a four-wicket win with 12 overs to spare. The teams meet again in the third and final match in the series on Monday.

Cricket: Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder lead West Indies to win over Australia

Kraigg Brathwaite will replace Jason Holder as the West Indies Test Captain with a two-Test series against Sri Lanka coming up this month, Cricket West Indies said Thursday.

Brathwaite has previously led the team in seven Tests while deputizing for Holder, including in the recent 2-0 Test Series win away to Bangladesh.

"It is a huge honour to be given the Captaincy of the West Indies Test team," Brathwaite said. "I feel extremely proud and humbled that the Board and Selectors have given me the opportunity and responsibility to lead the team.

"The recent Test Series win in Bangladesh was a fantastic achievement and I'm really looking forward to the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka and I'm excited about what I believe this team can achieve in the future."

The squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled for March 21-25, will be announced on Friday.

Roger Harper, CWI lead selector, said selectors were impressed that in Bangladesh Brathwaite "was able to motivate his players to play to a very high level and create the culture we are looking to establish where the team showed a collective determination to fight and a real hunger for success."

Holder, the 29-year-old who was named captain of the Test team in 2015, was one of several players who opted not to tour Bangladesh because of Covid-19 related concerns.

The&nbsp;current number one&nbsp;all-rounder&nbsp;in the ICC&nbsp;Test&nbsp;rankings, Holder captained the West Indies team in 37 Tests, leading the side to 11 wins, five draws and 21 defeats.

"On behalf of CWI, I would like to thank Jason for all he has given to the game in the region while serving as Captain of our Test team," CWI director of cricket Jimmy Adams said. "As the world’s leading Test all-rounder, we all believe that Jason still has a tremendous role to play in West Indies Test Cricket for many years to come."

Kraigg Brathwaite will replace Jason Holder as the West Indies Test Captain with a two-Test series against Sri Lanka coming up this month, Cricket West Indies said Thursday.

Kraigg Brathwaite will replace Jason Holder as the West Indies Test Captain with a two-Test series against Sri Lanka coming up this month, Cricket West Indies said Thursday. Brathwaite has previously led the team in seven Tests while deputizing for Holder, including in the recent 2-0 Test Series win away to Bangladesh. "It is a huge honour to be given the Captaincy of the West Indies Test team," Brathwaite said. "I feel extremely proud and humbled that the Board and Selectors have given me the opportunity and responsibility to lead the team. "The recent Test Series win in Bangladesh was a fantastic achievement and I'm really looking forward to the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka and I'm excited about what I believe this team can achieve in the future." The squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka, scheduled for March 21-25, will be announced on Friday. Roger Harper, CWI lead selector, said selectors were impressed that in Bangladesh Brathwaite "was able to motivate his players to play to a very high level and create the culture we are looking to establish where the team showed a collective determination to fight and a real hunger for success." Holder, the 29-year-old who was named captain of the Test team in 2015, was one of several players who opted not to tour Bangladesh because of Covid-19 related concerns. The current number one all-rounder in the ICC Test rankings, Holder captained the West Indies team in 37 Tests, leading the side to 11 wins, five draws and 21 defeats. "On behalf of CWI, I would like to thank Jason for all he has given to the game in the region while serving as Captain of our Test team," CWI director of cricket Jimmy Adams said. "As the world’s leading Test all-rounder, we all believe that Jason still has a tremendous role to play in West Indies Test Cricket for many years to come."

Brathwaite replaces Holder as Windies Test Captain

Cricket season ended for the West Indies with an innings and 12-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test on Monday. The West Indies skipper Jason Holder, after the crushing series defeat, feels that it will be a much-needed break for some of the players who have suffered a tough year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

With the win, New Zealand moved closer to the numero uno spot in Test cricket for the first time in their history. Praising every individual who played a part in bringing cricket back to the ground, Holder said it has been a tough year for many including him personally as he added that he hasn’t been home for six months.&nbsp;

"Man, it's tough. It was a tough year. Credit to every individual who would have sacrificed their health, and the risk of travelling around the world in this pandemic," ESPNcricinfo quoted Holder as saying.&nbsp; 
The Windies all-rounder also touched upon the challenges of playing in the bio-secure bubbles. He said that being isolated into a room is one of the toughest things a person can go through.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thishappened2020-kohli-dhoni-most-mentioned-athletes-on-twitter-ipl-2020-most-tweeted-sports-hashtags-349661" hreflang="en">#ThisHappened2020: Kohli, Dhoni most mentioned athletes on Twitter, IPL 2020 most tweeted sports hashtags</a>

With pay-cuts in place due to disruption in cricket calendar, some of the players have been playing non-stop cricket in different T20 tournaments taking place in different parts of the world besides playing the international bilateral series as well.

Notably, the West Indies were one of the first two resume cricket after COVID-19-enforced break as the Caribbean outfit travelled to the United Kingdom to play a three-match Test series against England.

"It has been a tough year. Not just for the team but I know for me personally it has been tough. I haven't seen home in six months now. I have been going non-stop. We have had pay cuts. It is a situation where you are still looking to make a living, still looking to make use of every opportunity you get. But, having said that, going from bubble to bubble and being isolated into a room -- sometimes, as I have said before, the room just gets smaller and smaller by the second," Holder explained.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/another-blow-for-australia-sean-abbott-out-of-adelaide-test-vs-india-moises-henriques-called-in-349648" hreflang="en">Another blow for Australia, Sean Abbott out of Adelaide Test vs India; Moises Henriques called in</a>

"I know a few of the guys have got tired minds. We've been on the road for a little while. It would be good for the guys to get home for Christmas, spend some time with their families; hopefully, some of them get there in time for Christmas, because I think you've got to do a quarantine, some players have to do a quarantine going back home. It will be a much-needed rest for some players to just refresh and come back," he added.&nbsp;

Holder, despite staying six months away from his family, will head over to Australia to participate in the ongoing Big Bash League for Sydney Sixers in what will be a three-game stint for the Windies all-rounder. He will then move to Bangladesh with the West Indies squad in January.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/postponements-and-resumption-a-turbulent-year-of-2020-for-sports-world-346992" hreflang="en">Postponements and resumption: A turbulent year of 2020 for sports world</a>

"We have got a short turnaround. I head over to the Big Bash after this and then we've got a tour of Bangladesh in early January. Not much time in between, but we will see how it goes. I don't know [when I will be home next]. At this point, I really don't know. But I am still enjoying it. Still enjoying moving around. I am trying to make use of every opportunity I get and hope it works out for me," Holder said.

Cricket season ended for the West Indies with an innings and 12-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test on Monday. The West Indies skipper Jason Holder, after the crushing series defeat, feels that it will be a much-needed break for some of the players who have suffered a tough year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cricket season ended for the West Indies with an innings and 12-run defeat to New Zealand in the second Test on Monday. The West Indies skipper Jason Holder, after the crushing series defeat, feels that it will be a much-needed break for some of the players who have suffered a tough year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the win, New Zealand moved closer to the numero uno spot in Test cricket for the first time in their history. Praising every individual who played a part in bringing cricket back to the ground, Holder said it has been a tough year for many including him personally as he added that he hasn’t been home for six months. "Man, it's tough. It was a tough year. Credit to every individual who would have sacrificed their health, and the risk of travelling around the world in this pandemic," ESPNcricinfo quoted Holder as saying. The Windies all-rounder also touched upon the challenges of playing in the bio-secure bubbles. He said that being isolated into a room is one of the toughest things a person can go through. ALSO READ: #ThisHappened2020: Kohli, Dhoni most mentioned athletes on Twitter, IPL 2020 most tweeted sports hashtags With pay-cuts in place due to disruption in cricket calendar, some of the players have been playing non-stop cricket in different T20 tournaments taking place in different parts of the world besides playing the international bilateral series as well. Notably, the West Indies were one of the first two resume cricket after COVID-19-enforced break as the Caribbean outfit travelled to the United Kingdom to play a three-match Test series against England. "It has been a tough year. Not just for the team but I know for me personally it has been tough. I haven't seen home in six months now. I have been going non-stop. We have had pay cuts. It is a situation where you are still looking to make a living, still looking to make use of every opportunity you get. But, having said that, going from bubble to bubble and being isolated into a room -- sometimes, as I have said before, the room just gets smaller and smaller by the second," Holder explained. ALSO READ: Another blow for Australia, Sean Abbott out of Adelaide Test vs India; Moises Henriques called in "I know a few of the guys have got tired minds. We've been on the road for a little while. It would be good for the guys to get home for Christmas, spend some time with their families; hopefully, some of them get there in time for Christmas, because I think you've got to do a quarantine, some players have to do a quarantine going back home. It will be a much-needed rest for some players to just refresh and come back," he added. Holder, despite staying six months away from his family, will head over to Australia to participate in the ongoing Big Bash League for Sydney Sixers in what will be a three-game stint for the Windies all-rounder. He will then move to Bangladesh with the West Indies squad in January. IN PICS | Postponements and resumption: A turbulent year of 2020 for sports world "We have got a short turnaround. I head over to the Big Bash after this and then we've got a tour of Bangladesh in early January. Not much time in between, but we will see how it goes. I don't know [when I will be home next]. At this point, I really don't know. But I am still enjoying it. Still enjoying moving around. I am trying to make use of every opportunity I get and hope it works out for me," Holder said.

Haven't been home for 6 months: Jason Holder explains challenges of bio-bubble life after pay cuts

Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi in what was the Eliminator of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>. After a terrific bowling performance by the SRH bowlers, Kane Williamson masterclass with the willow helped SRH seal a place in the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2020 where they will face Delhi Capitals on Sunday.

Batting first, Royal Challengers Bangalore opted to go with Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal as openers in the crucial match. However, the move backfired as Kohli was sent packing by Jason Holder for just one run whereas Padikkal, who has been terrific for RCB throughout the season, was dismissed for six.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-jasprit-bumrah-is-the-best-t20-fast-bowler-in-the-world-says-shane-bond-341165" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Jasprit Bumrah is the 'best T20 fast bowler in the world', says Bond</a>

Aaron Finch and AB de Villiers stuck around for a bit but it was Finch who lost his wicket first and walked back to the hut for 32 off 30. Moeen Ali ran himself out on a free-hit, a rare instance in the world of cricket, for a golden duck.

Shivam Dube (8), Washington Sundar (5) also failed to live up to the expectations with the bat in the big game. However, a handy 10-run knock by Mohammed Siraj and nine runs by Navdeep Saini helped Royal Challengers Bangalore to post 131/7 in 20 overs.

Chasing 132, Sunrisers Hyderabad got off to a horror start as opener Shreevats Goswami was dismissed for a duck. But it was David Warner and Manish Pandey, who stabilized the chase for SRH. Warner was given marching orders by the third umpire in what was a controversial call for caught-behind. Pandey also edged one to AB de Villiers to depart for 24.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-couldve-been-selected-for-australia-tour-virender-sehwag-baffled-over-hitmans-injury-case-341122" hreflang="en">Virender Sehwag baffled over Rohit Sharma's injury case</a>

Kane Williamson hung around to smoke some lusty blows while batting sensibly with Jason Holder as the duo dragged SRH close to the finish line before unleashing their stroke-play to help Hyderabad win the match by 6 wickets.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi in what was the Eliminator of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020.

Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by six wickets at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi in what was the Eliminator of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. After a terrific bowling performance by the SRH bowlers, Kane Williamson masterclass with the willow helped SRH seal a place in the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2020 where they will face Delhi Capitals on Sunday. Batting first, Royal Challengers Bangalore opted to go with Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal as openers in the crucial match. However, the move backfired as Kohli was sent packing by Jason Holder for just one run whereas Padikkal, who has been terrific for RCB throughout the season, was dismissed for six. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Jasprit Bumrah is the 'best T20 fast bowler in the world', says Bond Aaron Finch and AB de Villiers stuck around for a bit but it was Finch who lost his wicket first and walked back to the hut for 32 off 30. Moeen Ali ran himself out on a free-hit, a rare instance in the world of cricket, for a golden duck. Shivam Dube (8), Washington Sundar (5) also failed to live up to the expectations with the bat in the big game. However, a handy 10-run knock by Mohammed Siraj and nine runs by Navdeep Saini helped Royal Challengers Bangalore to post 131/7 in 20 overs. Chasing 132, Sunrisers Hyderabad got off to a horror start as opener Shreevats Goswami was dismissed for a duck. But it was David Warner and Manish Pandey, who stabilized the chase for SRH. Warner was given marching orders by the third umpire in what was a controversial call for caught-behind. Pandey also edged one to AB de Villiers to depart for 24. ALSO READ: Virender Sehwag baffled over Rohit Sharma's injury case Kane Williamson hung around to smoke some lusty blows while batting sensibly with Jason Holder as the duo dragged SRH close to the finish line before unleashing their stroke-play to help Hyderabad win the match by 6 wickets.

IPL 2020: Kane Williamson, Jason Holder star as SRH defeat RCB in Eliminator

Manish Pandey smashed eight sixes in a blistering 83 after Jason Holder made an instant impact with the ball as Sunrisers Hyderbad kept themselves in the race for IPL play-offs with an eight-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals here on Thursday.

Pandey and Vijay Shankar (52) stitched an unbroken 140-run partnership after Holder led a disciplined bowling display to restrict Rajasthan Royals to 154 for six.

Playing his first match of the tournament, Holder (3/33) came up with an impressive bowling effort while also affecting a run out to destabilise the RR innings. Rashid Khan (1/20) and Vijay Shankar (1/15) picked a wicket each.

During his unbeaten 47-ball knock, Pandey hit four balls to the fence and eight over it, while Shankar struck six boundaries.

The duo played intelligently in a must-win game for the Sunrisers.

With the win, Sunrisers moved up to the fifth spot, while the Royals were pushed down to seventh.

The Sunrisers' chase was off to the worst possible start with skipper David Warner (4) giving away his wicket to Jofra Archer once again in the very first over. The Barbadian-born English pacer then got rid of Jonny Bairstow (10) in his second over.

With the dangerous openers back in the dugout, Pandey made full use of the field restrictions in the first six overs. He targeted young Kartik Tyagi, smashing the right-arm medium pacer for three boundaries and two sixes.

Pandey survived an lbw scare in the ninth over. He continued to pick the Rajasthan bowlers with Shankar holding fort at the other end.

Eventually the all-rounder, too, found his mojo, hitting back-to-back fours off leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal in the 11 over. He also hit Archer for three successive boundaries.

Earlier, Sunrisers, who were struggling at the penultimate spot in the points table with only three wins from nine outings, opted to bowl after winning the toss at the Dubai International Stadium.

For RR, Sanju Samson (36 off 26 balls) was the top scorer.

Put in to bat, Robin Uthappa looked in rampaging form, hitting the first four and six of the innings. He quickly raced to 19 off 13 balls.

However, his time in the middle was short lived. After Ben Stokes (30) hit Holder for back-to-back boundaries in the fourth over, the West Indies skipper effected Uthappa's run out as the Indian was late to turn back at the non-striker's end.

The powerplay overs yielded 47 runs, including six fours and a maximum, for the loss of one wicket.

The big-hitting Stokes was dropped on 17 in the eighth over by Shankar off a Rashid delivery. Alongside Samson, he kept the scoreboard ticking.

A 56-run stand between the two was broken in the 12th over by Holder. Samson, who had reached his highest score since the 85 against Kings XI Punjab in RR's second match of the tournament, was bowled by a slow off-cutter, after pulling the previous delivery over midwicket for a huge six.

Stokes' stay came to an end when the World Cup winning all-rounder was bowled by Rashid in the beginning of the 13th over, with the Sunrisers bowlers making a strong comeback in the middle overs. RR then lost wickets at regular intervals.

Jos Buttler, too, fell quickly as he was sent back by Shankar in the 16th over with skipper Steve Smith (19) also failing to make an impact.

Manish Pandey smashed eight sixes in a blistering 83 after Jason Holder made an instant impact with the ball as Sunrisers Hyderbad kept themselves in the race for IPL play-offs with an eight-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals here on Thursday.

Manish Pandey smashed eight sixes in a blistering 83 after Jason Holder made an instant impact with the ball as Sunrisers Hyderbad kept themselves in the race for IPL play-offs with an eight-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals here on Thursday. Pandey and Vijay Shankar (52) stitched an unbroken 140-run partnership after Holder led a disciplined bowling display to restrict Rajasthan Royals to 154 for six. Playing his first match of the tournament, Holder (3/33) came up with an impressive bowling effort while also affecting a run out to destabilise the RR innings. Rashid Khan (1/20) and Vijay Shankar (1/15) picked a wicket each. During his unbeaten 47-ball knock, Pandey hit four balls to the fence and eight over it, while Shankar struck six boundaries. The duo played intelligently in a must-win game for the Sunrisers. With the win, Sunrisers moved up to the fifth spot, while the Royals were pushed down to seventh. The Sunrisers' chase was off to the worst possible start with skipper David Warner (4) giving away his wicket to Jofra Archer once again in the very first over. The Barbadian-born English pacer then got rid of Jonny Bairstow (10) in his second over. With the dangerous openers back in the dugout, Pandey made full use of the field restrictions in the first six overs. He targeted young Kartik Tyagi, smashing the right-arm medium pacer for three boundaries and two sixes. Pandey survived an lbw scare in the ninth over. He continued to pick the Rajasthan bowlers with Shankar holding fort at the other end. Eventually the all-rounder, too, found his mojo, hitting back-to-back fours off leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal in the 11 over. He also hit Archer for three successive boundaries. Earlier, Sunrisers, who were struggling at the penultimate spot in the points table with only three wins from nine outings, opted to bowl after winning the toss at the Dubai International Stadium. For RR, Sanju Samson (36 off 26 balls) was the top scorer. Put in to bat, Robin Uthappa looked in rampaging form, hitting the first four and six of the innings. He quickly raced to 19 off 13 balls. However, his time in the middle was short lived. After Ben Stokes (30) hit Holder for back-to-back boundaries in the fourth over, the West Indies skipper effected Uthappa's run out as the Indian was late to turn back at the non-striker's end. The powerplay overs yielded 47 runs, including six fours and a maximum, for the loss of one wicket. The big-hitting Stokes was dropped on 17 in the eighth over by Shankar off a Rashid delivery. Alongside Samson, he kept the scoreboard ticking. A 56-run stand between the two was broken in the 12th over by Holder. Samson, who had reached his highest score since the 85 against Kings XI Punjab in RR's second match of the tournament, was bowled by a slow off-cutter, after pulling the previous delivery over midwicket for a huge six. Stokes' stay came to an end when the World Cup winning all-rounder was bowled by Rashid in the beginning of the 13th over, with the Sunrisers bowlers making a strong comeback in the middle overs. RR then lost wickets at regular intervals. Jos Buttler, too, fell quickly as he was sent back by Shankar in the 16th over with skipper Steve Smith (19) also failing to make an impact.

IPL 2020: Pandey, Shankar strike unbeaten fifties in Sunrisers' win over RR

Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday announced the signing of Jason Holder with the West Indies Test skipper replacing Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has been ruled out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> due to an ankle injury.&nbsp;

Marsh suffered the ankle injury during their IPL 2020 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday. Marsh tweaked his ankle while bowling the fourth delivery of his first over and couldn’t even complete his spell. He was taken off immediately.&nbsp;

However, Marsh showed brilliant professionalism by walking into bat at No. 10 but was unable to help SRH win the match due to the pain in his ankle. He was caught out in the first delivery he faced.&nbsp;

TRENDING:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-33-sixes-smashed-in-rr-vs-csk-match-with-major-record-equalised-329622" hreflang="en">Watch: 33 sixes smashed in RR vs CSK match with major record equalised</a>

Holder, who had an INR 75 lakh base price in the IPL 2020 auction, had gone unsold. Holder has previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)&nbsp;and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) making a mere five appearances. He has 38 runs to his name with five wickets but SRH would hope he can bring his form from Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 into the table.&nbsp;

SRH had suffered a crushing defeat against RCB in their IPL 2020 season opener in Dubai after a middle-order collapse but the Trevor Bayliss-led SRH staff would be hoping Holder provides them the solidity and versatility with both bat and ball.&nbsp;

“Official Statement: Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out due to injury. We wish him a speedy recovery. Jason Holder will replace him for #Dream11IPL 2020. #OrangeArmy #KeepRising,” SRH tweeted on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ms-dhoni-smashes-three-sixes-in-final-over-as-ball-lands-outside-the-stadium-329610" hreflang="en">Watch: MS Dhoni smashes three sixes in final over as ball lands outside the stadium</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 Official Statement 🚨 
 
Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out due to injury. We wish him a speedy recovery. Jason Holder will replace him for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dream11IPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dream11IPL</a> 2020 .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeArmy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeepRising?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeepRising</a>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/1308715299680608257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-abdul-samad-is-an-exciting-talent-can-help-srh-this-season-rashid-khan-328861" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Abdul Samad is an exciting talent, can help SRH this season - Rashid Khan</a>

Holder will now have to arrive to the UAE and undergo the mandatory six-day quarantine period while testing negative for COVID-19 thrice.&nbsp;

SRH next face KKR on Saturday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. 
&nbsp;

Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday announced the signing of Jason Holder with the West Indies Test skipper replacing Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has been ruled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to an ankle injury.

Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday announced the signing of Jason Holder with the West Indies Test skipper replacing Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has been ruled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to an ankle injury. Marsh suffered the ankle injury during their IPL 2020 match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday. Marsh tweaked his ankle while bowling the fourth delivery of his first over and couldn’t even complete his spell. He was taken off immediately. However, Marsh showed brilliant professionalism by walking into bat at No. 10 but was unable to help SRH win the match due to the pain in his ankle. He was caught out in the first delivery he faced. TRENDING: Watch: 33 sixes smashed in RR vs CSK match with major record equalised Holder, who had an INR 75 lakh base price in the IPL 2020 auction, had gone unsold. Holder has previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) making a mere five appearances. He has 38 runs to his name with five wickets but SRH would hope he can bring his form from Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 into the table. SRH had suffered a crushing defeat against RCB in their IPL 2020 season opener in Dubai after a middle-order collapse but the Trevor Bayliss-led SRH staff would be hoping Holder provides them the solidity and versatility with both bat and ball. “Official Statement: Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out due to injury. We wish him a speedy recovery. Jason Holder will replace him for #Dream11IPL 2020. #OrangeArmy #KeepRising,” SRH tweeted on Wednesday. ALSO: Watch: MS Dhoni smashes three sixes in final over as ball lands outside the stadium 🚨 Official Statement 🚨 Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out due to injury. We wish him a speedy recovery. Jason Holder will replace him for #Dream11IPL 2020 .#OrangeArmy #KeepRising — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) September 23, 2020 × ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Abdul Samad is an exciting talent, can help SRH this season - Rashid Khan Holder will now have to arrive to the UAE and undergo the mandatory six-day quarantine period while testing negative for COVID-19 thrice. SRH next face KKR on Saturday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

IPL 2020: Sunrisers Hyderabad rope in Jason Holder as Mitch Marsh gets ruled out due to ankle injury

International cricket returned with a bang! Test cricket returned with its nerve-wracking sessions and battle between the willow and the red cherry. Before the first Test between England and the West Indies commenced at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, there were whispers how it would pan out. Will players be fully up for it, will not playing cricket for 117 days take a toll on the players? And every question was thrown out of the window as both England and West Indies produced cricket of the highest quality upon the return of international cricket.

The West Indies led by the ever-dependable Jason Holder clinched a fairly comfortable four-wicket win in Southampton while taking a 1-0 lead in the series. While the word comfortable may sound like a cake-walk, it wasn’t the case at all. The game felt like a pendulum as the dong moved to and fro between the two sides with each passing session.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3676f325-c533-4397-b4be-d3daf98c92b1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UT9P1_0.jpg" />

Day 1 started with a game of hide&nbsp;and seek with the rain gods as the world witnessed little action on the first day. After a delayed start, England’s Test skipper for the match, Ben Stokes opted to bat first under overseas condition, on a pitch which certainly had some sort of moisture due to persistent rain in the build-up to the match. The move to bat first raised a few eyebrows.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66409bb2-a364-4f31-b5e1-085b48f4529d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UV91P.jpg" />

The red ball, on which saliva can’t be used due to the ban imposed by the ICC to curb the spread of coronavirus, was handed over to Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel. But before the first ball of the match was bowled, all the players and staff took a knee in support for the Black Lives Matter movement.&nbsp;Ten balls into the game, Dom Sibley’s stumps were dislodged by a peach by Gabriel. The ball moved a bit but to some extent, it was a rusty judgement by the English opener. Rory Burns and Joe Denly took charge in the middle and saw off a splendid spell of bowling by Roach and Gabriel.&nbsp;

However, it was Gabriel again who produced magic to send the ball through the gates of Denly, reminding the Englishman of his IPL debut for KKR. Burns was next to follow and it was Gabriel again who did the damage.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d00f713-3693-4c58-98d4-de81bed1751c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UV9PE.jpg" />

Following the initial spell by Gabriel and Roach, it was time for ‘Captain West Indies’ to stand up and produce what he has been doing for the last few years. Even though Holder is not someone who would terrorise batsmen with his pace, he showed what damage testing line and length can do. Holder made the ball talk and there were three edges straight to the keeper Shane Dowrich as Ben Stokes (43), Ollie Pope (12) and Jos Buttler (35) were sent packing by the number one all-rounder in Test cricket.&nbsp;

Dom Bess kept the scoreboard ticking with a handy 31 not-out but the Holder and Gabriel were too hot to handle for the English lower-order as the hosts were bundled out for 204. Holder with six, Gabriel with four, shared all the wickets among themselves.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c780aae9-5634-4505-ae22-b6d8d13f986f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UW3JK.jpg" />

For the West Indies, openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell saw off the initial spell by James Anderson and Jofra Archer before taking the field on a bright sunny day on Day 3. A superb 65 by Brathwaite laid the platform for the visitors despite Campbell (28) and Shai Hope (16) departing without scoring much. Shamarh Brooks (39) showed glimpses of his highly-rated talent but it was Roston Chase’s 47 off 142 which built the&nbsp;road for the West Indies win. Dowrich with his gritty 61 threw some confidence and a lead of over 100 runs.&nbsp;

It was a lacklustre performance by the English bowlers in the first innings. While Jimmy Anderson looked like a lone warrior, swinging the ball away or even bringing it back with a break of the wrist, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood with speeds of over 90 mph looked like a mere shadow of themselves. Their barrage of bouncers was firmly dealt by before Stokes took it upon himself to do the damage. The end result? Four wickets for the number two ranked Test all-rounder in the world. Credit to Dom Bess, who toiled hard in his 19 overs to pick up two crucial wickets of Hope and Blackwood. The West Indies ended up posting 318 runs on the board.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2a8be025-6311-4e42-84ff-d52ff0a21cc2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UY6ZC.jpg" />

With the sun out and a relatively drier and flatter track, Rory Burns and Dom Sibley stitched a 72-run opening stand before the former was sent packing Roston Chase, visitors’ only spin option. Sibley went on to score a half-century before falling prey to Gabriel. Joe Denly and Zak Crawley tried putting a partnership but the former was again subjected to a soft dismissal, falling for his own mishaps, again and again.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4bfc65ec-6dec-4fa1-8893-a7f84545285a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V03TP.jpg" />

Stokes came up with a counter-attacking mood and scored a quick-fire 46 off 79 but&nbsp;Alzarri Joseph, after going wicket-less in the first innings, found the bullseye by dismissing Stokes and Crawley. Gabriel came back to life again and wreaked havoc while sending the lower and lower-middle order back to pavilion. Another impressive performance by the veteran and a fifer to his name. England were bundled out for 313 as the West Indies were given a target of 200 runs.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bda5b095-e796-4e14-b4d5-2a05210204a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V08O7.jpg" />

There was scrutiny towards Jofra Archer for being lazy in the first innings and many could sense he would come alive in the second innings, and that is what exactly happened. John Campbell was retired-hurt and Brathwaite was walking back to the hut in no time after the West Indies started their chase.

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e155a85-85c6-42eb-961d-e56f9ddffbc3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V22MS_0.jpg" />

Mark Wood too clocked up his intensity and got rid of Shai Hope as the visitors saw them reeling at 27-3. Brooks again fall victim to Archer’s class and bagged a five-ball duck.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab4dbf4e-31e6-421d-8c85-69bb1c8a6d58" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V25AV_1.jpg" />

As England bowlers dominated the first 15 overs, everyone started to come at the edge of their seats anticipating a West Indies collapse. However, Chase and Blackwood had other plans. While Chase scored a gritty 37, Blackwood was the man of the hour for the West Indies as he scored 95. Dowrich chipped in with 20. Campbell came back to bat again and stitched winning partnership with skipper Holder to hand the West Indies an all-important win.

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="730f1743-dcb8-4323-ba6c-dfd35db954ae" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V2520.jpg" />

A forgettable start for Stokes as a captain. And for Holder, he continues to cement his own legacy in the history books.&nbsp;

The first Test post-pandemic goes to the West Indies as visitors take a 1-0 in the series. Man of the match, Shannon Gabriel. 
&nbsp;

International cricket returned with a bang! Test cricket returned with its nerve-wracking sessions and battle between the willow and the red cherry. Before the first Test between England and the West Indies commenced at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, there were whispers how it would pan out.

International cricket returned with a bang! Test cricket returned with its nerve-wracking sessions and battle between the willow and the red cherry. Before the first Test between England and the West Indies commenced at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, there were whispers how it would pan out. Will players be fully up for it, will not playing cricket for 117 days take a toll on the players? And every question was thrown out of the window as both England and West Indies produced cricket of the highest quality upon the return of international cricket. The West Indies led by the ever-dependable Jason Holder clinched a fairly comfortable four-wicket win in Southampton while taking a 1-0 lead in the series. While the word comfortable may sound like a cake-walk, it wasn’t the case at all. The game felt like a pendulum as the dong moved to and fro between the two sides with each passing session. Day 1 started with a game of hide and seek with the rain gods as the world witnessed little action on the first day. After a delayed start, England’s Test skipper for the match, Ben Stokes opted to bat first under overseas condition, on a pitch which certainly had some sort of moisture due to persistent rain in the build-up to the match. The move to bat first raised a few eyebrows. The red ball, on which saliva can’t be used due to the ban imposed by the ICC to curb the spread of coronavirus, was handed over to Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel. But before the first ball of the match was bowled, all the players and staff took a knee in support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Ten balls into the game, Dom Sibley’s stumps were dislodged by a peach by Gabriel. The ball moved a bit but to some extent, it was a rusty judgement by the English opener. Rory Burns and Joe Denly took charge in the middle and saw off a splendid spell of bowling by Roach and Gabriel. However, it was Gabriel again who produced magic to send the ball through the gates of Denly, reminding the Englishman of his IPL debut for KKR. Burns was next to follow and it was Gabriel again who did the damage. Following the initial spell by Gabriel and Roach, it was time for ‘Captain West Indies’ to stand up and produce what he has been doing for the last few years. Even though Holder is not someone who would terrorise batsmen with his pace, he showed what damage testing line and length can do. Holder made the ball talk and there were three edges straight to the keeper Shane Dowrich as Ben Stokes (43), Ollie Pope (12) and Jos Buttler (35) were sent packing by the number one all-rounder in Test cricket. Dom Bess kept the scoreboard ticking with a handy 31 not-out but the Holder and Gabriel were too hot to handle for the English lower-order as the hosts were bundled out for 204. Holder with six, Gabriel with four, shared all the wickets among themselves. For the West Indies, openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell saw off the initial spell by James Anderson and Jofra Archer before taking the field on a bright sunny day on Day 3. A superb 65 by Brathwaite laid the platform for the visitors despite Campbell (28) and Shai Hope (16) departing without scoring much. Shamarh Brooks (39) showed glimpses of his highly-rated talent but it was Roston Chase’s 47 off 142 which built the road for the West Indies win. Dowrich with his gritty 61 threw some confidence and a lead of over 100 runs. It was a lacklustre performance by the English bowlers in the first innings. While Jimmy Anderson looked like a lone warrior, swinging the ball away or even bringing it back with a break of the wrist, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood with speeds of over 90 mph looked like a mere shadow of themselves. Their barrage of bouncers was firmly dealt by before Stokes took it upon himself to do the damage. The end result? Four wickets for the number two ranked Test all-rounder in the world. Credit to Dom Bess, who toiled hard in his 19 overs to pick up two crucial wickets of Hope and Blackwood. The West Indies ended up posting 318 runs on the board. With the sun out and a relatively drier and flatter track, Rory Burns and Dom Sibley stitched a 72-run opening stand before the former was sent packing Roston Chase, visitors’ only spin option. Sibley went on to score a half-century before falling prey to Gabriel. Joe Denly and Zak Crawley tried putting a partnership but the former was again subjected to a soft dismissal, falling for his own mishaps, again and again. Stokes came up with a counter-attacking mood and scored a quick-fire 46 off 79 but Alzarri Joseph, after going wicket-less in the first innings, found the bullseye by dismissing Stokes and Crawley. Gabriel came back to life again and wreaked havoc while sending the lower and lower-middle order back to pavilion. Another impressive performance by the veteran and a fifer to his name. England were bundled out for 313 as the West Indies were given a target of 200 runs. There was scrutiny towards Jofra Archer for being lazy in the first innings and many could sense he would come alive in the second innings, and that is what exactly happened. John Campbell was retired-hurt and Brathwaite was walking back to the hut in no time after the West Indies started their chase. Mark Wood too clocked up his intensity and got rid of Shai Hope as the visitors saw them reeling at 27-3. Brooks again fall victim to Archer’s class and bagged a five-ball duck. As England bowlers dominated the first 15 overs, everyone started to come at the edge of their seats anticipating a West Indies collapse. However, Chase and Blackwood had other plans. While Chase scored a gritty 37, Blackwood was the man of the hour for the West Indies as he scored 95. Dowrich chipped in with 20. Campbell came back to bat again and stitched winning partnership with skipper Holder to hand the West Indies an all-important win. A forgettable start for Stokes as a captain. And for Holder, he continues to cement his own legacy in the history books. The first Test post-pandemic goes to the West Indies as visitors take a 1-0 in the series. Man of the match, Shannon Gabriel.

England vs West Indies 1st Test: Blackwood, Gabriel steal show as visitors take 1-0 lead in series

West Indies captain Jason Holder said "my Test is far from over" after he rocked England with a career-best six-wicket haul on the second day of the series opener at Southampton on Thursday.

Holder, the world's top-ranked all-rounder, took 6-42 as England were dismissed for 204 to surpass his previous Test-best of 6-59 against Bangladesh at Kingston two years ago.

It was the sixth time in his last 10 Tests that the towering paceman had taken five or more wickets in an innings, with Thursday's return including the prize scalp of rival all-rounder and stand-in England captain Ben Stokes.

West Indies have not won a Test series in England since 1988 but they hold the Wisden Trophy after a 2-1 success in the Caribbean last year -- when Holder made an unbeaten double century in an opening win at his Barbados home ground.

"I have done a good job so far but my Test is far from over," Holder told reporters after bad light forced an early close with West Indies 57-1, a deficit of 147 runs.&nbsp;

"I have a massive contribution to make with the bat," the 28-year-old added.

Holder had been struggling with an ankle injury in the lead-up to the series -- the first Test campaign since lockdown -- but still troubled England with his accuracy and late movement.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Big wicket' -</h2>

He also led from the front.

West Indies had twice dropped Stokes, second in the Test all-rounder rankings, before Holder had him caught behind for 43, the top score of the innings, to end a stand of 67 with Jos Buttler (35).

"It was a big wicket to get," said Holder. "We put down two chances and he was looking to make us pay.&nbsp;

"His partnership with Jos was starting to blossom into something that could really hurt us.&nbsp;

"But I was getting just enough movement to keep him at bay, keep him playing and eventually got the edge."

Holder added he had a particular reason for wanting to do well in England this time.

"I really wanted to get on the honours board at Lord's," Holder said.&nbsp;

"We were scheduled to play there but then due to COVID they shuffled it around," he added of a series where the bio-secure grounds of the Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford, the venue for the last two Tests, are being used instead.

"One of the things I have always strived to do is to score a hundred in England and get a five-wicket haul. I've ticked one box, now it's time to knuckle down and get a hundred."

England opted to leave out veteran paceman Stuart Broad and deploy fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood together for the first time in a Test.

But although both Archer and Wood topped speeds of 90 mph, it was James Anderson -- England's all-time most successful Test bowler -- who took the lone wicket of John Campbell.&nbsp;

"I think they are on top," said Wood of the West Indies.&nbsp;

"They have done really well today, bowled really well, showed us the way to go."&nbsp;

But Wood said the fact West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel took 4-62 meant he didn't have to cut his pace.

"Gabriel got four wickets and he bowls quick, so that doesn't mean me and Jofra need to bowl slower."

West Indies captain Jason Holder said "my Test is far from over" after he rocked England with a career-best six-wicket haul on the second day of the series opener at Southampton on Thursday.

West Indies captain Jason Holder said "my Test is far from over" after he rocked England with a career-best six-wicket haul on the second day of the series opener at Southampton on Thursday. Holder, the world's top-ranked all-rounder, took 6-42 as England were dismissed for 204 to surpass his previous Test-best of 6-59 against Bangladesh at Kingston two years ago. It was the sixth time in his last 10 Tests that the towering paceman had taken five or more wickets in an innings, with Thursday's return including the prize scalp of rival all-rounder and stand-in England captain Ben Stokes. West Indies have not won a Test series in England since 1988 but they hold the Wisden Trophy after a 2-1 success in the Caribbean last year -- when Holder made an unbeaten double century in an opening win at his Barbados home ground. "I have done a good job so far but my Test is far from over," Holder told reporters after bad light forced an early close with West Indies 57-1, a deficit of 147 runs. "I have a massive contribution to make with the bat," the 28-year-old added. Holder had been struggling with an ankle injury in the lead-up to the series -- the first Test campaign since lockdown -- but still troubled England with his accuracy and late movement. - 'Big wicket' - He also led from the front. West Indies had twice dropped Stokes, second in the Test all-rounder rankings, before Holder had him caught behind for 43, the top score of the innings, to end a stand of 67 with Jos Buttler (35). "It was a big wicket to get," said Holder. "We put down two chances and he was looking to make us pay. "His partnership with Jos was starting to blossom into something that could really hurt us. "But I was getting just enough movement to keep him at bay, keep him playing and eventually got the edge." Holder added he had a particular reason for wanting to do well in England this time. "I really wanted to get on the honours board at Lord's," Holder said. "We were scheduled to play there but then due to COVID they shuffled it around," he added of a series where the bio-secure grounds of the Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford, the venue for the last two Tests, are being used instead. "One of the things I have always strived to do is to score a hundred in England and get a five-wicket haul. I've ticked one box, now it's time to knuckle down and get a hundred." England opted to leave out veteran paceman Stuart Broad and deploy fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood together for the first time in a Test. But although both Archer and Wood topped speeds of 90 mph, it was James Anderson -- England's all-time most successful Test bowler -- who took the lone wicket of John Campbell. "I think they are on top," said Wood of the West Indies. "They have done really well today, bowled really well, showed us the way to go." But Wood said the fact West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel took 4-62 meant he didn't have to cut his pace. "Gabriel got four wickets and he bowls quick, so that doesn't mean me and Jofra need to bowl slower."

Windies skipper Holder says he has more to do after six-wicket England haul

Two of the world's best all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Jason Holder will be captaining their respective sides when England face the West Indies in the first Test at Southampton starting Wednesday.

Holder tops the ICC's Test all-rounder rankings, with fellow paceman Stokes in second place as international cricket resumes for the first time since March 2 following the coronavirus lockdown.

They both average in the 30s with the bat, with Holder's bowling mark of 26.37 slightly more economical than Stokes' 32.68.

But while Holder, 28, is a seasoned skipper, Wednesday's match will be the first time the 29-year-old Stokes has captained a cricket team since he was a teenager.

England's talisman has been thrust into the role, with regular skipper Joe Root missing the series opener to attend the birth of his second child.

Pace-bowling all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff saw their individual games decline with the cares of the England captaincy.

The concern is that something similar will happen to Stokes, a key figure in England's World Cup triumph last year when his spectacular century also saw the team to a remarkable win over Australia in an Ashes Test at Headingley.

It appeared any chance of Stokes becoming England captain disappeared when he was charged with affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub.

But after being found not guilty at a 2018 trial, he regained a position of responsibility as Root's vice-captain.

"After that happened it was 'right, what am I going to do from this point forward?," Stokes said last week. "I'm quite proud to say I'm in this situation (of being England captain) through hard work and determination."

<h2>- 'Get on top of Ben' -</h2>

Holder was made captain of the West Indies' one-day side aged just 23.

A year later he was put in charge of the Test side against a backdrop of administrative chaos that included bitter rows between senior players and administrators.

Sympathy for his plight has sometimes overshadowed recognition of his cricketing skill.

Holder, however, showed his class with an unbeaten double century against England in the first Test at his Barbados home ground during a 381-run win last year that sent the West Indies on the way to a series victory.

"Hopefully Jason can do what's necessary to get on top of Ben in this first Test," said West Indies coach Phil Simmons.

"Jason has played enough Test cricket now to know what he's working on and, mentally, he's where he wants to be.

"I think Ben is one of them who leads from the front. That's to be shown by all his exploits before in cricket and we will have to make sure that we get on to him very early, because he likes to do what is necessary for his team."

Two of the world's best all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Jason Holder will be captaining their respective sides when England face the West Indies in the first Test at Southampton starting Wednesday.

Two of the world's best all-rounders in Ben Stokes and Jason Holder will be captaining their respective sides when England face the West Indies in the first Test at Southampton starting Wednesday. Holder tops the ICC's Test all-rounder rankings, with fellow paceman Stokes in second place as international cricket resumes for the first time since March 2 following the coronavirus lockdown. They both average in the 30s with the bat, with Holder's bowling mark of 26.37 slightly more economical than Stokes' 32.68. But while Holder, 28, is a seasoned skipper, Wednesday's match will be the first time the 29-year-old Stokes has captained a cricket team since he was a teenager. England's talisman has been thrust into the role, with regular skipper Joe Root missing the series opener to attend the birth of his second child. Pace-bowling all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff saw their individual games decline with the cares of the England captaincy. The concern is that something similar will happen to Stokes, a key figure in England's World Cup triumph last year when his spectacular century also saw the team to a remarkable win over Australia in an Ashes Test at Headingley. It appeared any chance of Stokes becoming England captain disappeared when he was charged with affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub. But after being found not guilty at a 2018 trial, he regained a position of responsibility as Root's vice-captain. "After that happened it was 'right, what am I going to do from this point forward?," Stokes said last week. "I'm quite proud to say I'm in this situation (of being England captain) through hard work and determination." - 'Get on top of Ben' - Holder was made captain of the West Indies' one-day side aged just 23. A year later he was put in charge of the Test side against a backdrop of administrative chaos that included bitter rows between senior players and administrators. Sympathy for his plight has sometimes overshadowed recognition of his cricketing skill. Holder, however, showed his class with an unbeaten double century against England in the first Test at his Barbados home ground during a 381-run win last year that sent the West Indies on the way to a series victory. "Hopefully Jason can do what's necessary to get on top of Ben in this first Test," said West Indies coach Phil Simmons. "Jason has played enough Test cricket now to know what he's working on and, mentally, he's where he wants to be. "I think Ben is one of them who leads from the front. That's to be shown by all his exploits before in cricket and we will have to make sure that we get on to him very early, because he likes to do what is necessary for his team."

All-rounders Stokes and Holder to lead from the front

The West Indies cricket team will sport a ‘Black Lives Matter’ logo on the collars of their shirt in the impending three-match Test series against England, starting July 8, in a bid to protest against racism in sports.&nbsp;

Windies skipper Jason Holder, who has supported the cause has come forward after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, as he said in a statement on Sunday: “We believe we have a duty to show solidarity and also to help raise awareness.”

The ICC-approved logo, which is designed by Alisha Hosanna, will be the logo donned by all 20 Premier League football clubs since the resumption of the league earlier in June.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/windies-coach-simmons-leaves-bubble-for-funeral-tests-negative-twice-for-virus-309312" hreflang="en">Windies coach Simmons leaves bubble for funeral, tests negative twice for virus</a>

<h2>"Pivotal moment in history for sports"</h2>

“This is a pivotal moment in history for sports, for the game of cricket and for the West Indies cricket team,” Holder said. “We have come to England to retain the Wisden Trophy but we are very conscious of happenings around the world and the fight for justice and equality. As a group of young men, we know of the rich and diverse history of West Indies cricket and we know we are guardians of the great game for generation to come.”

<img alt="Jason Holder" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3b1fa72-0a5e-4745-a989-ede1085ac238" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ebqs214X0AAQ4aP.jpg" />

Holder, who wants racism to be at par with doping and corruption, said they arrived at the decision after giving it a strong thought while adding there must be equality and unity in all fronts.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/half-of-tokyo-residents-oppose-olympics-in-2021-poll-309305" hreflang="en">Half of Tokyo residents oppose Olympics in 2021: poll</a>

“We did not take our decision lightly. We know what it is for people to make judgments because of the colour of our skin, so we know what it feels like, this goes beyond the boundary. There must be equality and there must be unity. Until we get that as people, we cannot stop,” he said. “We have to find some way to have equal rights and people must not be viewed differently because of the colour of their skin or ethnic background.”

The Windies players are expected to don the logos for the first time in the four-day practice match at the Old Trafford, starting Monday. The Test series, which will also be the resumption of international cricket after a prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic, will commence at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 8.

The West Indies cricket team will sport a ‘Black Lives Matter’ logo on the collars of their shirt in the impending three-match Test series against England, starting July 8, in a bid to protest against racism in sports.

The West Indies cricket team will sport a ‘Black Lives Matter’ logo on the collars of their shirt in the impending three-match Test series against England, starting July 8, in a bid to protest against racism in sports. Windies skipper Jason Holder, who has supported the cause has come forward after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, as he said in a statement on Sunday: “We believe we have a duty to show solidarity and also to help raise awareness.” The ICC-approved logo, which is designed by Alisha Hosanna, will be the logo donned by all 20 Premier League football clubs since the resumption of the league earlier in June. ALSO READ: Windies coach Simmons leaves bubble for funeral, tests negative twice for virus "Pivotal moment in history for sports" “This is a pivotal moment in history for sports, for the game of cricket and for the West Indies cricket team,” Holder said. “We have come to England to retain the Wisden Trophy but we are very conscious of happenings around the world and the fight for justice and equality. As a group of young men, we know of the rich and diverse history of West Indies cricket and we know we are guardians of the great game for generation to come.” Holder, who wants racism to be at par with doping and corruption, said they arrived at the decision after giving it a strong thought while adding there must be equality and unity in all fronts. ALSO READ: Half of Tokyo residents oppose Olympics in 2021: poll “We did not take our decision lightly. We know what it is for people to make judgments because of the colour of our skin, so we know what it feels like, this goes beyond the boundary. There must be equality and there must be unity. Until we get that as people, we cannot stop,” he said. “We have to find some way to have equal rights and people must not be viewed differently because of the colour of their skin or ethnic background.” The Windies players are expected to don the logos for the first time in the four-day practice match at the Old Trafford, starting Monday. The Test series, which will also be the resumption of international cricket after a prolonged break due to COVID-19 pandemic, will commence at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 8.

West Indies players to don 'Black Lives Matter' logo during England Test series

The West Indies team led by Jason Holder departed from Antigua for England to play three Test starting July 8 and arrived in Manchester on Tuesday. All the players and staff completed their COVID-19 tests and all the results were confirmed as negative. Players and staff on board will be tested again&nbsp;for coronavirus.

West Indies, who have sent a strong 25-man squad for the England tour, will live, train and play in a “bio-secure” environment with strict protocols restricting movement in and out of the venues. Hence, 11 reserve players are travelling to train and prepare the Test squad while ensuring replacements are available in case of any injury.

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West Indies depart the Caribbean for Sandals Tour of England. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvWI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MenInMaroon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MenInMaroon</a> 
 
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Fans would be looking forward to the three-match Test series after watching months of television repeats as England captain Joe Root said: "It must be extremely scary and I think the whole cricketing world will be grateful to see some cricket again."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/stokes-does-not-need-extra-captaincy-pressure-says-pietersen-304324" hreflang="en">Stokes does not need extra captaincy pressure, says Pietersen</a>

The Test series was originally scheduled to be played in June but will now kickstart from July 8 due to COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the first international cricket series to be played after an enforced break. The series will be played at more “bio-secure” Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford rather than traditional Oval, Edgbaston and Lord’s.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, various health measures including a ban on saliva are set to be rubber-stamped at the ICC meeting on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/racism-and-sports-enough-is-enough-304319" hreflang="en">Racism and sports - Enough is enough!</a>

"Our main objective is to deliver a safe environment for all stakeholders," said England and Wales Cricket Board events director Steve Elworthy.

<h2>England vs West Indies, Test series - Full schedule</h2>

• 1st Test v West Indies: 8-12 July at Ageas Bowl

• 2nd Test v West Indies: 16-20 July at Emirates Old Trafford

• 3rd Test v West Indies: 24-28 July at Emirates Old Trafford

The West Indies team led by Jason Holder departed from Antigua for England to play three Test starting July 8 and arrived in Manchester on Tuesday. All the players and staff completed their COVID-19 tests and all the results were confirmed as negative.

The West Indies team led by Jason Holder departed from Antigua for England to play three Test starting July 8 and arrived in Manchester on Tuesday. All the players and staff completed their COVID-19 tests and all the results were confirmed as negative. Players and staff on board will be tested again for coronavirus. West Indies, who have sent a strong 25-man squad for the England tour, will live, train and play in a “bio-secure” environment with strict protocols restricting movement in and out of the venues. Hence, 11 reserve players are travelling to train and prepare the Test squad while ensuring replacements are available in case of any injury. West Indies depart the Caribbean for Sandals Tour of England. #ENGvWI #MenInMaroon Read morehttps://t.co/ycf4XHBeZC pic.twitter.com/aQkMNLice9 — Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 8, 2020 × Fans would be looking forward to the three-match Test series after watching months of television repeats as England captain Joe Root said: "It must be extremely scary and I think the whole cricketing world will be grateful to see some cricket again." ALSO READ: Stokes does not need extra captaincy pressure, says Pietersen The Test series was originally scheduled to be played in June but will now kickstart from July 8 due to COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the first international cricket series to be played after an enforced break. The series will be played at more “bio-secure” Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford rather than traditional Oval, Edgbaston and Lord’s. Meanwhile, various health measures including a ban on saliva are set to be rubber-stamped at the ICC meeting on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Racism and sports - Enough is enough! "Our main objective is to deliver a safe environment for all stakeholders," said England and Wales Cricket Board events director Steve Elworthy. England vs West Indies, Test series - Full schedule • 1st Test v West Indies: 8-12 July at Ageas Bowl • 2nd Test v West Indies: 16-20 July at Emirates Old Trafford • 3rd Test v West Indies: 24-28 July at Emirates Old Trafford

England vs West Indies: Windies arrive in Manchester as all players test negative; series to start from July 8

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are planning to host the West Indies for a three-match Test series in July as cricket gears up for live action following a prolonged break due to COVID-19. While the details aren’t finalised yet, it is likely that the three-match rubber would go ahead. West Indies captain, Jason Holder has said that he won’t be forcing anyone to be a part of the England tour while adding they would only go for the series if Cricket West Indies deem it safe.&nbsp;

“Each player has to be comfortable in making the step,” Holder said while adding, “It’s been made clear if we are to hop on a plane and go over to England to play, it must be safe.”

“Certainly from my perspective, I won’t be forcing anyone to go anywhere,” he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lancashire-offer-to-host-test-cricket-during-covid-19-crisis-after-posting-record-earnings-299623" hreflang="en">Lancashire offer to host Test cricket during COVID-19 crisis after posting record earnings</a>

The West Indies tour of England was originally scheduled to start on June 4 but stands postponed until at least July due to the coronavirus pandemic. And the new schedule could be announced by the end of May.&nbsp;

“We’ve been given assurances from Cricket West Indies that we’d only go over to England if they deem it safe for us to play,” said Holder.

“It’s no different from a frontline worker going into a hospital every day - they’re putting their lives at risk, and still going to make money. The longer we stay off the field, the longer it’ll take for us to make money,” he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chasing-is-a-situation-where-virat-kohli-reveals-his-mindset-during-run-chases-299605" hreflang="en">'Chasing is a situation where...'- Virat Kohli reveals his mindset during run-chases</a>

Earlier, Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave asserted that some of the players will be nervous about touring to the UK amid the COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;

“There will be no coercing players into this tour,” Grave had said. “If you grow up in a country where the population might only be 60,000 or 70,000 people, to be thinking the UK has had over 30,000 deaths is a massive figure.

“We have to be absolutely clear that it’s safe first and foremost,” he added. 
&nbsp;

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are planning to host the West Indies for a three-match Test series in July as cricket gears up for live action following a prolonged break due to COVID-19.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are planning to host the West Indies for a three-match Test series in July as cricket gears up for live action following a prolonged break due to COVID-19. While the details aren’t finalised yet, it is likely that the three-match rubber would go ahead. West Indies captain, Jason Holder has said that he won’t be forcing anyone to be a part of the England tour while adding they would only go for the series if Cricket West Indies deem it safe. “Each player has to be comfortable in making the step,” Holder said while adding, “It’s been made clear if we are to hop on a plane and go over to England to play, it must be safe.” “Certainly from my perspective, I won’t be forcing anyone to go anywhere,” he added. ALSO READ: Lancashire offer to host Test cricket during COVID-19 crisis after posting record earnings The West Indies tour of England was originally scheduled to start on June 4 but stands postponed until at least July due to the coronavirus pandemic. And the new schedule could be announced by the end of May. “We’ve been given assurances from Cricket West Indies that we’d only go over to England if they deem it safe for us to play,” said Holder. “It’s no different from a frontline worker going into a hospital every day - they’re putting their lives at risk, and still going to make money. The longer we stay off the field, the longer it’ll take for us to make money,” he added. ALSO READ: 'Chasing is a situation where...'- Virat Kohli reveals his mindset during run-chases Earlier, Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave asserted that some of the players will be nervous about touring to the UK amid the COVID-19 outbreak. “There will be no coercing players into this tour,” Grave had said. “If you grow up in a country where the population might only be 60,000 or 70,000 people, to be thinking the UK has had over 30,000 deaths is a massive figure. “We have to be absolutely clear that it’s safe first and foremost,” he added.

Won't force any player to tour England, says West Indies captain Jason Holder

West Indies won the toss and put India in to bat in the second test in Kingston on Friday as the hosts look to level the two-match series against Virat Kohli's top-ranked test side.

India named an unchanged team for the match while West Indies have handed all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall and wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton debuts. Hamilton is in the side for the injured Shai Hope.

"We wanted to make use of the grass and moisture and try to get into India's middle order," Windies captain Jason Holder said at the toss.

"We've decided to not focus on the end result but instead focus on the processes and once you focus on that the end result takes care of itself."

However, the start of play was overshadowed by West Indies great Viv Richards appearing to fall ill during his pre-match media duties. He had to be helped off the field, according to ESPNcricinfo.

India lead the series 1-0 after winning the first test in Antigua by 318 runs.

The series is part of the new World Test Championship which involves the nine top-ranked test nations competing in a league between July 2019 and April 2021.

Playing XI:

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shamarh Brooks, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder (captain), Jahmar Hamilton (wicketkeeper), Rahmkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel

India: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

West Indies won the toss and put India in to bat in the second test in Kingston on Friday as the hosts look to level the two-match series against Virat Kohli's top-ranked test side.

West Indies won the toss and put India in to bat in the second test in Kingston on Friday as the hosts look to level the two-match series against Virat Kohli's top-ranked test side. India named an unchanged team for the match while West Indies have handed all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall and wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton debuts. Hamilton is in the side for the injured Shai Hope. "We wanted to make use of the grass and moisture and try to get into India's middle order," Windies captain Jason Holder said at the toss. "We've decided to not focus on the end result but instead focus on the processes and once you focus on that the end result takes care of itself." However, the start of play was overshadowed by West Indies great Viv Richards appearing to fall ill during his pre-match media duties. He had to be helped off the field, according to ESPNcricinfo. India lead the series 1-0 after winning the first test in Antigua by 318 runs. The series is part of the new World Test Championship which involves the nine top-ranked test nations competing in a league between July 2019 and April 2021. Playing XI: West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shamarh Brooks, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder (captain), Jahmar Hamilton (wicketkeeper), Rahmkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel India: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

West Indies win toss and opt to bowl in second test against India

Ahead of the second Test against India, West Indies skipper Jason Holder said pace is the backbone of his team as fast bowlers are doing well.&nbsp;

Despite facing a massive 318 runs defeat at the hands of India in the first Test, Holder hinted the team will stick to the same bowling combination as in a previous game.&nbsp;

He hailed pacers Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel for their performance. While Roach scalped five wickets, Gabriel managed to get hold of four. In the last match, the Windies played with four seamers and one spinner.&nbsp;

"Pace is the backbone of our side. We have done well with our seamers. Roach and Gabriel have been outstanding. I have also been supporting the bowling line up. We have relied heavily on our pacers from the last couple of years. Hopefully, we continue to keep our pacers fine and hope we get 20 wickets in this Test match," Holder told reporters.&nbsp;

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The team was disappointed with the performance in the last match and will hope to do better in the second Test, he said.&nbsp;

"We are disappointed with our performance in the last game and this an opportunity for us to level the series. We have to perform. Hopefully, we can play really good team cricket," Holder added.&nbsp;

Earlier, India white-washed the Windies in the ODI and T20I series. West Indies will face India in the second Test at Sabina Park here later today.&nbsp;

Ahead of the second Test against India, West Indies skipper Jason Holder said pace is the backbone of his team as fast bowlers are doing well. Despite facing a massive 318 runs defeat at the hands of India in the first Test, Holder hinted the team will stick to the same bowling combination as in a previous game.

Ahead of the second Test against India, West Indies skipper Jason Holder said pace is the backbone of his team as fast bowlers are doing well. Despite facing a massive 318 runs defeat at the hands of India in the first Test, Holder hinted the team will stick to the same bowling combination as in a previous game. He hailed pacers Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel for their performance. While Roach scalped five wickets, Gabriel managed to get hold of four. In the last match, the Windies played with four seamers and one spinner. "Pace is the backbone of our side. We have done well with our seamers. Roach and Gabriel have been outstanding. I have also been supporting the bowling line up. We have relied heavily on our pacers from the last couple of years. Hopefully, we continue to keep our pacers fine and hope we get 20 wickets in this Test match," Holder told reporters. Watch the video: × The team was disappointed with the performance in the last match and will hope to do better in the second Test, he said. "We are disappointed with our performance in the last game and this an opportunity for us to level the series. We have to perform. Hopefully, we can play really good team cricket," Holder added. Earlier, India white-washed the Windies in the ODI and T20I series. West Indies will face India in the second Test at Sabina Park here later today.

Pace is our backbone, says West Indies skipper Jason Holder

West Indies skipper Jason Holder said on Thursday after a training session at Sabina Park in Kingston, that the key to levelling the ongoing test series against India will be to be decisive in footwork, shot selection, and just standard cricket. West Indies lost to the visitors in the last test match when vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane played crucial knocks in both the innings to give India a 1-0 lead in the three-match test series which is also a part of the ongoing World Test Championships.

Cricket - 'Just standard cricket', Holder's key to leveling series with India

Indian skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat first against the Jason Holder-led West Indies team in the second ODI of a three-match series on Sunday at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.&nbsp;

"I think, spinners will come into play in the second half of the day. The nature of the pitch makes us bat first," said Kohli at the time of toss.&nbsp;

"We want to execute our skills in the middle. It doesn't matter for us whether it is a two-match series or a three-match series. We are unchanged," Kohli added.&nbsp;

"We are backing Rishabh to still bat at four and Shreyas Iyer will bat at five," said Kohli.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, West Indies were forced to make one change with left-arm spinner Fabian Allen unwell and his place taken by fast bowler Oshane Thomas.&nbsp;

Veteran opening batsman Chris Gayle is playing his 300th ODI – the first West Indian to reach that landmark – and also needs just nine more runs to surpass the tally of 10,405 by Brian Lara as the most by a West Indian in the 50 overs-per-side format.&nbsp;

Playing XI:

West Indies: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope(w), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Jason Holder(c), Carlos Brathwaite, Kemar Roach, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas&nbsp;

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, K Khaleel Ahmed

Indian skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat first against the Jason Holder-led West Indies team in the second ODI of a three-match series on Sunday at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat first against the Jason Holder-led West Indies team in the second ODI of a three-match series on Sunday at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. "I think, spinners will come into play in the second half of the day. The nature of the pitch makes us bat first," said Kohli at the time of toss. "We want to execute our skills in the middle. It doesn't matter for us whether it is a two-match series or a three-match series. We are unchanged," Kohli added. "We are backing Rishabh to still bat at four and Shreyas Iyer will bat at five," said Kohli. Meanwhile, West Indies were forced to make one change with left-arm spinner Fabian Allen unwell and his place taken by fast bowler Oshane Thomas. Veteran opening batsman Chris Gayle is playing his 300th ODI – the first West Indian to reach that landmark – and also needs just nine more runs to surpass the tally of 10,405 by Brian Lara as the most by a West Indian in the 50 overs-per-side format. Playing XI: West Indies: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope(w), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Jason Holder(c), Carlos Brathwaite, Kemar Roach, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, K Khaleel Ahmed

India vs West Indies, 2nd ODI: Virat Kohli wins toss, opts to bat first

"Stop looking for excuses and start finding solutions," said West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick, urging his side to stick together and come back stronger after suffering a crushing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-23-west-indies-vs-bangladesh-227892">seven-wicket defeat to Bangladesh</a> in the World Cup here.

Sent into bat, West Indies posted 321 for eight but a below-par bowling performance saw Bangladesh script the second highest successful run chase in World Cup history, knocking off the target of 322 with 8.3 overs to spare on Monday.

"If you look at it, I thought we were 60 runs short on that pitch and on that size field. We then didn't take the opportunities that came our way. We were always behind Bangladesh once they got through to 70/1," said Estwick after WI lost its third match on the trot in five games.

"The big players didn't kick on but saying that we made 321 runs and should have been able to defend that. But we can stand here, saying 'if this' and 'if that' - we didn't play well, we've lost the cricket game and that's that.&nbsp;We've got to come back stronger. We've still got four games left in the tournament and we can't point fingers or apportion blame to anyone. We have to stick together; that's how good teams pull through. Stop looking for excuses and start finding solutions,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Estwick said.

Odds are against West Indies now with just four games left to salvage any hopes of making it to the semi-finals in the 10-team tournament.

However, Estwick said his team will fight it out till the end.&nbsp;

"We're not down and out yet. We're going to fight and come back harder," he said.

"Give <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bangladesh-beat-west-indies-by-seven-wickets-in-world-cup-228121">Bangladesh </a>credit. They played well and they're an improving side. They've played us now five times in the recent past and have beaten us every time. We just have to go away and put our heads together and find a solution," added&nbsp;Estwick.

"Stop looking for excuses and start finding solutions," said West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick, urging his side to stick together and come back stronger after suffering a crushing seven-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the World Cup here.

"Stop looking for excuses and start finding solutions," said West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick, urging his side to stick together and come back stronger after suffering a crushing seven-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the World Cup here. Sent into bat, West Indies posted 321 for eight but a below-par bowling performance saw Bangladesh script the second highest successful run chase in World Cup history, knocking off the target of 322 with 8.3 overs to spare on Monday. "If you look at it, I thought we were 60 runs short on that pitch and on that size field. We then didn't take the opportunities that came our way. We were always behind Bangladesh once they got through to 70/1," said Estwick after WI lost its third match on the trot in five games. "The big players didn't kick on but saying that we made 321 runs and should have been able to defend that. But we can stand here, saying 'if this' and 'if that' - we didn't play well, we've lost the cricket game and that's that. We've got to come back stronger. We've still got four games left in the tournament and we can't point fingers or apportion blame to anyone. We have to stick together; that's how good teams pull through. Stop looking for excuses and start finding solutions," Estwick said. Odds are against West Indies now with just four games left to salvage any hopes of making it to the semi-finals in the 10-team tournament. However, Estwick said his team will fight it out till the end. "We're not down and out yet. We're going to fight and come back harder," he said. "Give Bangladesh credit. They played well and they're an improving side. They've played us now five times in the recent past and have beaten us every time. We just have to go away and put our heads together and find a solution," added Estwick.

Stop looking for excuses and start finding solutions, says West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick

West Indies captain Jason Holder says he accepts the underdogs status ahead of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup</a> match against Bangladesh on Monday but played down the significance of their recent run of poor results against the subcontinent side.

Bangladesh and West Indies have played each other nine times since the 2015 World Cup, and the Asian side has emerged victorious in seven occasions, including three wins in the tri-nation tournament held in Ireland last month.

"If you want to put us in the underdog category, fair enough," Holder told a news conference on Sunday.

"We've played them quite a bit in the past and they've got the better of us, but it's a different occasion and there's lots at stake, so we're all up for it.

"It's a challenge against Bangladesh, so we just want to get over them and move forward."

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza hinted at targeting West Indies with his spin bowling options, despite the short boundaries at Taunton's County Ground.

The off-spin of Mehidy Hasan, who has five wickets in three matches so far in the tournament, could come in handy against a Windies top order packed with left-handers.

"It's a very important match for us, especially losing few points in the last three matches," Mashrafe said.

"I think our bowling has been fantastic against them in the last two-three series we played.

"Obviously the top five West Indies batsmen are left-handers, and Mehidy bowled against them really well too."

A defeat for West Indies or Bangladesh could further hamper their chances of making it to the semi-final stage of the tournament, with both teams currently locked at three points each in their four matches.

West Indies captain Jason Holder says he accepts the underdogs status ahead of their World Cup match against Bangladesh on Monday but played down the significance of their recent run of poor results against the subcontinent side.

West Indies captain Jason Holder says he accepts the underdogs status ahead of their World Cup match against Bangladesh on Monday but played down the significance of their recent run of poor results against the subcontinent side. Bangladesh and West Indies have played each other nine times since the 2015 World Cup, and the Asian side has emerged victorious in seven occasions, including three wins in the tri-nation tournament held in Ireland last month. "If you want to put us in the underdog category, fair enough," Holder told a news conference on Sunday. "We've played them quite a bit in the past and they've got the better of us, but it's a different occasion and there's lots at stake, so we're all up for it. "It's a challenge against Bangladesh, so we just want to get over them and move forward." Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza hinted at targeting West Indies with his spin bowling options, despite the short boundaries at Taunton's County Ground. The off-spin of Mehidy Hasan, who has five wickets in three matches so far in the tournament, could come in handy against a Windies top order packed with left-handers. "It's a very important match for us, especially losing few points in the last three matches," Mashrafe said. "I think our bowling has been fantastic against them in the last two-three series we played. "Obviously the top five West Indies batsmen are left-handers, and Mehidy bowled against them really well too." A defeat for West Indies or Bangladesh could further hamper their chances of making it to the semi-final stage of the tournament, with both teams currently locked at three points each in their four matches.

Windies skipper Jason Holder doesn't mind 'underdogs' tag ahead of Bangladesh clash

England captain Eoin Morgan heaped praise on batsman Joe Root whose polished century led the team to an emphatic eight-wicket Cricket World Cup victory over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trevor-bayliss-will-have-to-live-with-the-sheldon-salute-says-jason-holder-226942">West Indies</a> on Friday.

Root was pushed up the order to open after Jason Roy sustained a hamstring injury, and he responded with his second century of the tournament as the hosts secured their third win in four matches.

"Exceptionally pleased, I think he is now the highest run scorer in the tournament," Morgan told a news conference.

"He's scored two hundreds. He's such an important player for us. He is the glue that holds everything together," Morgan added.

Root struck 11 fours and faced only 94 balls in his 100 not out as England strolled to a target of 213 with nearly 17 overs to spare, fuelling their hopes of winning the World Cup for the first time.

"It's probably a side of his batting that has got better over the last two or three years that people haven't seen a lot of, his expansive game," Morgan said.

"He never seems to go at less than a run a ball. You look up, he is going at more than a run a ball and it is exceptionally good to watch. To see him come out and be in this form and continue it is brilliant," Morgan said.

Morgan was forced to leave the field after suffering a back spasm and could be a doubt for England's next game, against Afghanistan on Tuesday.

"It's sore," Morgan said. "I've had back spasms before. We think it is another back spasm. It normally takes a few days to settle down."

Roy also limped off, giving England another headache.

"He had a tight hamstring so he will go for a scan tomorrow and probably it will take 48 hours before we have the results," Morgan said.

England fast bowlers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eoin-morgan-knows-what-jofra-archers-feeling-ahead-of-clash-against-native-country-west-indies-227033">Jofra Archer</a> and Mark Wood took three wickets each as West Indies were dismissed for 212, and Morgan was delighted to have genuine quicks at his disposal.

"I think it's been one of the trends of the tournament," he said.

"A lot of the teams have bowlers who can bowl quite quickly. We are very fortunate we have three guys that can touch 90mph. It's something that we are going to use. It will be a strength of ours," Morgan said.

West Indies captain Jason Holder was left to rue another inconsistent performance from his team, who are sixth in the standings following their second loss and in danger of missing out on the semi-finals.

"We were showing glimpses of what we can produce here in this tournament so far and also in the recent past and in the past generally," Holder said.

"It is just a matter of bringing it together for long periods, stringing together a complete game and being consistent," Holder added.

England captain Eoin Morgan heaped praise on batsman Joe Root whose polished century led the team to an emphatic eight-wicket Cricket World Cup victory over West Indies on Friday.

England captain Eoin Morgan heaped praise on batsman Joe Root whose polished century led the team to an emphatic eight-wicket Cricket World Cup victory over West Indies on Friday. Root was pushed up the order to open after Jason Roy sustained a hamstring injury, and he responded with his second century of the tournament as the hosts secured their third win in four matches. "Exceptionally pleased, I think he is now the highest run scorer in the tournament," Morgan told a news conference. "He's scored two hundreds. He's such an important player for us. He is the glue that holds everything together," Morgan added. Root struck 11 fours and faced only 94 balls in his 100 not out as England strolled to a target of 213 with nearly 17 overs to spare, fuelling their hopes of winning the World Cup for the first time. "It's probably a side of his batting that has got better over the last two or three years that people haven't seen a lot of, his expansive game," Morgan said. "He never seems to go at less than a run a ball. You look up, he is going at more than a run a ball and it is exceptionally good to watch. To see him come out and be in this form and continue it is brilliant," Morgan said. Morgan was forced to leave the field after suffering a back spasm and could be a doubt for England's next game, against Afghanistan on Tuesday. "It's sore," Morgan said. "I've had back spasms before. We think it is another back spasm. It normally takes a few days to settle down." Roy also limped off, giving England another headache. "He had a tight hamstring so he will go for a scan tomorrow and probably it will take 48 hours before we have the results," Morgan said. England fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood took three wickets each as West Indies were dismissed for 212, and Morgan was delighted to have genuine quicks at his disposal. "I think it's been one of the trends of the tournament," he said. "A lot of the teams have bowlers who can bowl quite quickly. We are very fortunate we have three guys that can touch 90mph. It's something that we are going to use. It will be a strength of ours," Morgan said. West Indies captain Jason Holder was left to rue another inconsistent performance from his team, who are sixth in the standings following their second loss and in danger of missing out on the semi-finals. "We were showing glimpses of what we can produce here in this tournament so far and also in the recent past and in the past generally," Holder said. "It is just a matter of bringing it together for long periods, stringing together a complete game and being consistent," Holder added.

World Cup: Joe Root is England's glue, says captain Eoin Morgan

England captain Eoin Morgan knows better than most the emotions Jofra Archer will experience when the fast bowler plays against his native West Indies for the first time.

Dublin-born batsman Morgan, who switched allegiance from Ireland to England a decade ago, is set to lead the tournament hosts against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-not-only-ms-dhonis-icc-rejected-chris-gayles-request-also-225711">Caribbean</a> side in a World Cup group match in Southampton on Friday.

Barring a late injury, Morgan's team will include Barbados-born quick Archer, who only qualified for England earlier this year but whose ability to bowl at speeds of up to 95 mph now makes him a central figure as they chase a first 50-over World Cup title.

Archer, whose father is English, could have been playing for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/trevor-bayliss-will-have-to-live-with-the-sheldon-salute-says-jason-holder-226942">West Indies</a> had he not been overlooked for the Under-19 World Cup four years ago.

That fateful decision was to spark a chain of events that saw Archer joining Sussex and then begin the process of qualifying to play international cricket for England.

Now he will be up against plenty of familiar faces in fellow Bajans such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-15-south-africa-vs-west-indies-225918">West Indies</a> captain Jason Holder and Shai Hope, as well as former youth team-mates Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer.

Morgan, recalling his own first experience of playing against Ireland for England, said Thursday&nbsp;"I think it is a moment where you reaffirm your decision. The difference is the feel.''

"When you play against guys that you've played with at age-group level, it feels like a club game against your mates you've known for a long time, compared to playing against strangers. That's a different feel. Being in that position myself it does feel different. He won't know how it feels until he plays the game. If I feel the need (to speak to him) I will, but I haven't yet," Morgan said.

'Handle it'

Meanwhile, Morgan backed the 24-year-old Archer, who has taken nine wickets in six one-day internationals at a healthy average of 27, to cope with the inevitable scrutiny that will come his way on Friday.

"I'm sure he will handle it like he's handled everything else in the tournament so far," said his skipper.

"Every challenge he has come up against so far he has come out the other side really well. So let's just see how it goes, we are not expecting anything majorly different. Jofra is extremely interesting because everything he has been confronted with, particularly out on the field, he has overcome,'' Morgan said.

"He's still learning, he's a very young, he has a lot of talent, and that is great for us. It's great that he's in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-england-beat-bangladesh-by-106-runs-225564">England </a>shirt now," added Morgan.

England captain Eoin Morgan knows better than most the emotions Jofra Archer will experience when the fast bowler plays against his native West Indies for the first time.

England captain Eoin Morgan knows better than most the emotions Jofra Archer will experience when the fast bowler plays against his native West Indies for the first time. Dublin-born batsman Morgan, who switched allegiance from Ireland to England a decade ago, is set to lead the tournament hosts against the Caribbean side in a World Cup group match in Southampton on Friday. Barring a late injury, Morgan's team will include Barbados-born quick Archer, who only qualified for England earlier this year but whose ability to bowl at speeds of up to 95 mph now makes him a central figure as they chase a first 50-over World Cup title. Archer, whose father is English, could have been playing for the West Indies had he not been overlooked for the Under-19 World Cup four years ago. That fateful decision was to spark a chain of events that saw Archer joining Sussex and then begin the process of qualifying to play international cricket for England. Now he will be up against plenty of familiar faces in fellow Bajans such as West Indies captain Jason Holder and Shai Hope, as well as former youth team-mates Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer. Morgan, recalling his own first experience of playing against Ireland for England, said Thursday "I think it is a moment where you reaffirm your decision. The difference is the feel.'' "When you play against guys that you've played with at age-group level, it feels like a club game against your mates you've known for a long time, compared to playing against strangers. That's a different feel. Being in that position myself it does feel different. He won't know how it feels until he plays the game. If I feel the need (to speak to him) I will, but I haven't yet," Morgan said. 'Handle it' Meanwhile, Morgan backed the 24-year-old Archer, who has taken nine wickets in six one-day internationals at a healthy average of 27, to cope with the inevitable scrutiny that will come his way on Friday. "I'm sure he will handle it like he's handled everything else in the tournament so far," said his skipper. "Every challenge he has come up against so far he has come out the other side really well. So let's just see how it goes, we are not expecting anything majorly different. Jofra is extremely interesting because everything he has been confronted with, particularly out on the field, he has overcome,'' Morgan said. "He's still learning, he's a very young, he has a lot of talent, and that is great for us. It's great that he's in an England shirt now," added Morgan.

Eoin Morgan knows what Jofra Archer's feeling ahead of clash against native country West Indies

India will tour West Indies to begin its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-heavy-rain-forecast-ahead-of-india-vs-new-zealand-match-226204">ICC</a> World Test Championship campaign, starting August 22 across two venues.

The five-week tour will see the teams competing in three T20Is and as many ODIs before testing themselves in two Test matches from August 22 to 26 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua and from August 30 to September 3 at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

The two Tests open the new ICC World Test Championship, which will be played over the next two years.&nbsp;

It has been introduced to give greater context and competition in the ultimate test of the game, combining strategy, skill and endurance.

"The West Indies and India have a long and colourful rivalry, and the series will bring more thrilling competition across every format of the game. We'll be seeing some of the World's best players go head to head in T20Is, ODIs and then in the new World Test Championship. West Indies fans, young and old, will have the opportunity to see some incredible cricket," said Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave in a statement.

The first two T20I matches will be played on August 3 and 4, respectively, at the Broward County Stadium in the city of Lauderhill in Florida, USA.

The third T20I will be played on August 6 at the National Stadium in Guyana, where the series also transitions to the 50-over format with the first ODI taking place on August 8, the first time in three decades the two sides will contest in an ODI in the South American nation.&nbsp;

The ODI series will conclude at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad where teams will meet for second and third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/yuvraj-singh-deserved-a-better-farewell-says-india-vice-captain-rohit-sharma-226179">ODI </a>on August 11 and 14, respectively.

"We're excited to bring two more T20Is to Florida, giving the West Indies diaspora in North America the opportunity to watch the team play 'live' and in person," said CWI Commercial, Marketing and Communications Director, Dominic Warne.

"This continues our plans of growing our audience and the game's appeal in North America to increase participation and investment back into the West Indies. The series will provide a chance for a growing audience in the United States, who follow the West Indies, to experience the fast-paced action of the T20 format," Warne added.&nbsp;

India will tour West Indies to begin its ICC World Test Championship campaign, starting August 22 across two venues. The five-week tour will see the teams competing in three T20Is and as many ODIs before testing themselves in two Test matches from August 22 to 26 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua and from August 30 to September 3 at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

India will tour West Indies to begin its ICC World Test Championship campaign, starting August 22 across two venues. The five-week tour will see the teams competing in three T20Is and as many ODIs before testing themselves in two Test matches from August 22 to 26 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua and from August 30 to September 3 at Sabina Park in Jamaica. The two Tests open the new ICC World Test Championship, which will be played over the next two years. It has been introduced to give greater context and competition in the ultimate test of the game, combining strategy, skill and endurance. "The West Indies and India have a long and colourful rivalry, and the series will bring more thrilling competition across every format of the game. We'll be seeing some of the World's best players go head to head in T20Is, ODIs and then in the new World Test Championship. West Indies fans, young and old, will have the opportunity to see some incredible cricket," said Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave in a statement. The first two T20I matches will be played on August 3 and 4, respectively, at the Broward County Stadium in the city of Lauderhill in Florida, USA. The third T20I will be played on August 6 at the National Stadium in Guyana, where the series also transitions to the 50-over format with the first ODI taking place on August 8, the first time in three decades the two sides will contest in an ODI in the South American nation. The ODI series will conclude at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad where teams will meet for second and third ODI on August 11 and 14, respectively. "We're excited to bring two more T20Is to Florida, giving the West Indies diaspora in North America the opportunity to watch the team play 'live' and in person," said CWI Commercial, Marketing and Communications Director, Dominic Warne. "This continues our plans of growing our audience and the game's appeal in North America to increase participation and investment back into the West Indies. The series will provide a chance for a growing audience in the United States, who follow the West Indies, to experience the fast-paced action of the T20 format," Warne added.

India to begin ICC World Test Championship against West Indies

West Indies bowler Sheldon Cottrell may have a special salute for England coach Trevor Bayliss when the two sides meet in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup</a> on Friday, but Jofra Archer could rain on that particular parade.

Archer, the young Barbados-born fast bowler now delivering for England after playing for West Indies under-19s, brings plenty of spice to the eagerly-awaited encounter at Southampton's Rose Bowl.

The match will be his first against the country he was also eligible to play for and one that will give West Indies fans plenty of time to appreciate a talent that slipped through their fingers.

Cottrell, whose flamboyant wicket-taking celebration involves a short march, stand to attention and salute to the pavilion, will meanwhile be doing his best to get on Bayliss's nerves.

The 56-year-old Australian told reporters on Wednesday that the 'Sheldon Salute' was enough to annoy anyone over the age of 40 and himself in particular.

"But every team has their way of celebrating and I'm sure other teams might not like the way we celebrate," Bayliss said.

"In the end, it's a young man's game. It's all entertainment. If it gets a bit of a laugh or a smile on people's faces so be it," he added.

West Indies captain Jason Holder was asked on Thursday whether Cottrell had "a nice, special salute" lined up for Bayliss, and he smiled.

"I don't think it will change, that's just Sheldon. I guess Trevor will just have learn to accept it," he replied.

Watching the West Indies batsmen smashing Archer's deliveries to the boundary might rank even higher on the satisfaction scale but Holder was keen to put the match into perspective.

"It's something that has been talked up in the press, in the media, and we are looking forward to the challenge against England," he said.

"I have seen Jofra over the years. He is obviously a Barbadian. He's grown up in Barbados playing cricket so what I'm seeing of Jofra doesn't surprise me. He is one of those guys who has always had ability and talent," added the captain.

"It is just unfortunate how things went in terms of his decision-making but he is a good talent."

The match, he emphasised, was against England, the pre-tournament favourites, and not just about one man.

Holder said the final team selection would be made on Friday, with all-rounder Andre Russell recovering well from a knee injury after being left out of the rain-abandoned match with South Africa.

"He is just one of those guys where we give him as much time as he possibly needs, so it all boils down to how he wakes up tomorrow morning and feels," said the captain.

West Indies bowler Sheldon Cottrell may have a special salute for England coach Trevor Bayliss when the two sides meet in the World Cup on Friday, but Jofra Archer could rain on that particular parade.

West Indies bowler Sheldon Cottrell may have a special salute for England coach Trevor Bayliss when the two sides meet in the World Cup on Friday, but Jofra Archer could rain on that particular parade. Archer, the young Barbados-born fast bowler now delivering for England after playing for West Indies under-19s, brings plenty of spice to the eagerly-awaited encounter at Southampton's Rose Bowl. The match will be his first against the country he was also eligible to play for and one that will give West Indies fans plenty of time to appreciate a talent that slipped through their fingers. Cottrell, whose flamboyant wicket-taking celebration involves a short march, stand to attention and salute to the pavilion, will meanwhile be doing his best to get on Bayliss's nerves. The 56-year-old Australian told reporters on Wednesday that the 'Sheldon Salute' was enough to annoy anyone over the age of 40 and himself in particular. "But every team has their way of celebrating and I'm sure other teams might not like the way we celebrate," Bayliss said. "In the end, it's a young man's game. It's all entertainment. If it gets a bit of a laugh or a smile on people's faces so be it," he added. West Indies captain Jason Holder was asked on Thursday whether Cottrell had "a nice, special salute" lined up for Bayliss, and he smiled. "I don't think it will change, that's just Sheldon. I guess Trevor will just have learn to accept it," he replied. Watching the West Indies batsmen smashing Archer's deliveries to the boundary might rank even higher on the satisfaction scale but Holder was keen to put the match into perspective. "It's something that has been talked up in the press, in the media, and we are looking forward to the challenge against England," he said. "I have seen Jofra over the years. He is obviously a Barbadian. He's grown up in Barbados playing cricket so what I'm seeing of Jofra doesn't surprise me. He is one of those guys who has always had ability and talent," added the captain. "It is just unfortunate how things went in terms of his decision-making but he is a good talent." The match, he emphasised, was against England, the pre-tournament favourites, and not just about one man. Holder said the final team selection would be made on Friday, with all-rounder Andre Russell recovering well from a knee injury after being left out of the rain-abandoned match with South Africa. "He is just one of those guys where we give him as much time as he possibly needs, so it all boils down to how he wakes up tomorrow morning and feels," said the captain.

Trevor Bayliss will have to live with the 'Sheldon Salute', says Jason Holder

Carlos Brathwaite said the West Indies were on the wrong end of too much poor umpiring following a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-west-indies-by-15-runs-in-world-cup-225096">15-run World Cup defeat</a> by champions Australia as Michael Holding slammed an "atrocious" display by the match officials.&nbsp;

West Indies opener Chris Gayle and captain Jason Holder were both twice given out on the field at Trent Bridge on Thursday but, on both sets of occasions, saw their decision to review vindicated by the third umpire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-10-australia-vs-west-indies-224922">Also Read:&nbsp;As it happened | AUSvWI: Australia beat West Indies by 15 runs</a>

The mood of the Caribbean side was not helped when standing umpire Chris Gaffaney missed a Mitchell Starc no-ball the delivery before the left-arm quick dismissed Gayle for 21.

Had the New Zealand official called a no-ball, the next delivery would have been a free hit from which the veteran opener could not have been dismissed.

Brathwaite accepted Gaffaney and Sri Lanka's Ruchira Palliyaguruge were doing their best, but he made no attempt to hide his annoyance after the West Indies fell short chasing a target of 289 in Nottingham.

"I don't know if I'll be fined for saying it but I just think that the umpiring was a bit frustrating," Brathwaite told reporters.

"Even when we were bowling we thought a few balls close to head height were called wides."

"And obviously three decisions...as far as I can remember being dodgy, it was frustrating and sent ripples through the dressing room," the all-rounder added.

"To lose Chris in a chase of 280, who can probably get 180 of them himself obviously, broke the start that we wanted to have.

"But the umpires do their job, they try to do it to the best of their ability, we as players go out there to do our job as well, so there was no confrontation between the players and the umpires."

Gaffaney raised his finger twice in three balls to gove Gayle while Palliyaguruge was two-times over-ruled by replays after raising his finger against Holder.

Brathwaite made it clear the decisions had not been the key reason why the West Indies had lost, but said they were part of a concerning pattern.&nbsp;

"I just think I'd like that for West Indies, we don't have to use all our reviews and that some of the other teams get a chance to use theirs because, every time we get hit on our pad, the finger goes up," he said.

"When we hit the opposition on their pad, the finger stays down. So we have to use our reviews and it's always missing and then we have to use our reviews when we're batting as well and it's always clipping.

"I'm not a technology person, I don't know why that happens, I can just say what I have seen happen over the past few years."

Meanwhile, Holding, commentating on television, was scathing about the "weak" officiating on show at Nottinghamshire's headquarters.

"The umpiring in this game has been atrocious," said Holding, one of cricket's all-time leading fast bowlers.

The 65-year-old Jamaican added Gaffaney and Palliyaguruge had caved into pressure created by prolonged Australia appeals.

"For one, even when I was playing and you were not as strict as they are now, you were allowed one appeal," recalled Holding, who infamously kicked down the stumps during a 1979/80 Test in Dunedin after his appeal to have New Zealand's John Parker caught behind was rejected by umpire Fred Goodall.

"You don't appeal two, three, four times to the umpire. They are being intimidated which means they are weak.

"This has been an atrocious bit of umpiring by both (Gaffaney and Palliyaguruge)."

Carlos Brathwaite said the West Indies were on the wrong end of too much poor umpiring following a 15-run World Cup defeat by champions Australia as Michael Holding slammed an "atrocious" display by the match officials.

Carlos Brathwaite said the West Indies were on the wrong end of too much poor umpiring following a 15-run World Cup defeat by champions Australia as Michael Holding slammed an "atrocious" display by the match officials. West Indies opener Chris Gayle and captain Jason Holder were both twice given out on the field at Trent Bridge on Thursday but, on both sets of occasions, saw their decision to review vindicated by the third umpire. Also Read: As it happened | AUSvWI: Australia beat West Indies by 15 runs The mood of the Caribbean side was not helped when standing umpire Chris Gaffaney missed a Mitchell Starc no-ball the delivery before the left-arm quick dismissed Gayle for 21. Had the New Zealand official called a no-ball, the next delivery would have been a free hit from which the veteran opener could not have been dismissed. Brathwaite accepted Gaffaney and Sri Lanka's Ruchira Palliyaguruge were doing their best, but he made no attempt to hide his annoyance after the West Indies fell short chasing a target of 289 in Nottingham. "I don't know if I'll be fined for saying it but I just think that the umpiring was a bit frustrating," Brathwaite told reporters. "Even when we were bowling we thought a few balls close to head height were called wides." "And obviously three decisions...as far as I can remember being dodgy, it was frustrating and sent ripples through the dressing room," the all-rounder added. "To lose Chris in a chase of 280, who can probably get 180 of them himself obviously, broke the start that we wanted to have. "But the umpires do their job, they try to do it to the best of their ability, we as players go out there to do our job as well, so there was no confrontation between the players and the umpires." Gaffaney raised his finger twice in three balls to gove Gayle while Palliyaguruge was two-times over-ruled by replays after raising his finger against Holder. Brathwaite made it clear the decisions had not been the key reason why the West Indies had lost, but said they were part of a concerning pattern. "I just think I'd like that for West Indies, we don't have to use all our reviews and that some of the other teams get a chance to use theirs because, every time we get hit on our pad, the finger goes up," he said. "When we hit the opposition on their pad, the finger stays down. So we have to use our reviews and it's always missing and then we have to use our reviews when we're batting as well and it's always clipping. "I'm not a technology person, I don't know why that happens, I can just say what I have seen happen over the past few years." Meanwhile, Holding, commentating on television, was scathing about the "weak" officiating on show at Nottinghamshire's headquarters. "The umpiring in this game has been atrocious," said Holding, one of cricket's all-time leading fast bowlers. The 65-year-old Jamaican added Gaffaney and Palliyaguruge had caved into pressure created by prolonged Australia appeals. "For one, even when I was playing and you were not as strict as they are now, you were allowed one appeal," recalled Holding, who infamously kicked down the stumps during a 1979/80 Test in Dunedin after his appeal to have New Zealand's John Parker caught behind was rejected by umpire Fred Goodall. "You don't appeal two, three, four times to the umpire. They are being intimidated which means they are weak. "This has been an atrocious bit of umpiring by both (Gaffaney and Palliyaguruge)."

Umpiring decisions sent ripples through West Indies dressing room: Brathwaite after Australia defeat

West Indies captain Jason Holder is playing down his team's traditional rivalry with Australia ahead of the Cricket World Cup match between the sides at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-beat-pakistan-by-seven-wickets-in-cricket-world-cup-223250&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjm-YmisNTiAhVCK48KHYK1C78QFjAFegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1HrDnWoQPPTsmq6dUpLPbZ">West Indies</a> beat Australia in the first World Cup final in 1975 and although the fortunes of the once all-conquering Caribbean team have declined, the history between the sides should ensure a compelling game.

"It's always been a great rivalry between West Indies and Australia," Holder told reporters on Wednesday.

"I think everybody is expecting a really good contest. We're up for the challenge. I think they're up for the challenge as well. I'm not caught up with the rivalry. It's a matter for us to go into tomorrow's game looking to execute our plans and beat Australia," Holder said.

Both teams won their opening matches of the tournament, West Indies crushing Pakistan by seven wickets at Trent Bridge.

"We obviously had one game here before. We bowled 22 overs in the game. We didn't get a full allotment. But having said that, we've got a little bit of knowledge about the ground, how the wicket plays," Holder said.

Pakistan beat World Cup favourites and hosts England in their second match and Holder is not getting carried away.

"As I said, it's a wide-open tournament," he said. "All 10 teams are capable of lifting the World Cup. That's why we're here, they're the 10 best teams in the world.''

"So I wouldn't get into the games that have been played. I just want to keep moving forward. We've got Australia tomorrow, and that's our next hurdle, and that's what I want to focus on. It's just a matter of playing good cricket on any given day. We want to execute in all three departments. We just want to be as positive as we possibly can be. The intent is something that we spoke about in the dressing room," the Windies captain said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-2-pakistan-vs-west-indies-223120&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjm-YmisNTiAhVCK48KHYK1C78QFjAHegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw09O0sQYevWdMEJ-y7uhPam">West Indies</a> have had fitness concerns over destructive opening batsman Chris Gayle and all-rounder <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-am-a-fast-bowler-thunders-andre-russell-after-startling-pakistan-in-their-world-cup-opener-223332&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwzJ7YsNTiAhU76nMBHaBvBHEQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0pRCzDva4If9CpT9QwzpCW">Andre Russell.</a>

"I think the beauty with both of those guys is they've played enough cricket," Holder said.

"We just tend to trust them, take their word and then make a final decision. Chris was at practice for the last couple of days, so Chris for me is all well and ready to go. Andre will be obviously assessed, and we're very, very hopeful that he'll be fit," Holder said.

West Indies captain Jason Holder is playing down his team's traditional rivalry with Australia ahead of the Cricket World Cup match between the sides at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

West Indies captain Jason Holder is playing down his team's traditional rivalry with Australia ahead of the Cricket World Cup match between the sides at Trent Bridge on Thursday. West Indies beat Australia in the first World Cup final in 1975 and although the fortunes of the once all-conquering Caribbean team have declined, the history between the sides should ensure a compelling game. "It's always been a great rivalry between West Indies and Australia," Holder told reporters on Wednesday. "I think everybody is expecting a really good contest. We're up for the challenge. I think they're up for the challenge as well. I'm not caught up with the rivalry. It's a matter for us to go into tomorrow's game looking to execute our plans and beat Australia," Holder said. Both teams won their opening matches of the tournament, West Indies crushing Pakistan by seven wickets at Trent Bridge. "We obviously had one game here before. We bowled 22 overs in the game. We didn't get a full allotment. But having said that, we've got a little bit of knowledge about the ground, how the wicket plays," Holder said. Pakistan beat World Cup favourites and hosts England in their second match and Holder is not getting carried away. "As I said, it's a wide-open tournament," he said. "All 10 teams are capable of lifting the World Cup. That's why we're here, they're the 10 best teams in the world.'' "So I wouldn't get into the games that have been played. I just want to keep moving forward. We've got Australia tomorrow, and that's our next hurdle, and that's what I want to focus on. It's just a matter of playing good cricket on any given day. We want to execute in all three departments. We just want to be as positive as we possibly can be. The intent is something that we spoke about in the dressing room," the Windies captain said. West Indies have had fitness concerns over destructive opening batsman Chris Gayle and all-rounder Andre Russell. "I think the beauty with both of those guys is they've played enough cricket," Holder said. "We just tend to trust them, take their word and then make a final decision. Chris was at practice for the last couple of days, so Chris for me is all well and ready to go. Andre will be obviously assessed, and we're very, very hopeful that he'll be fit," Holder said.

World Cup: Windies captain jason Holder plays down Australia rivalry

Hopes are pinned on a born-again West Indies to relive their glory days but skipper Jason Holder says the upcoming World Cup is "a case of creating our own legacy".

Windies have a proud history at the World Cup, winning the first two editions of the tournament and making the final of the third. After struggling for nearly two decades, a few stunning wins against England recently lifted their spirits.

"Not personally," Holder told the ICC when asked if he feels pressurised to re-establish their dominance, adding, "It's just a case of us creating our own legacy.

"We obviously know our history what the past players have done. We will take it stage by stage, step by step, not get too far ahead of ourselves." The presence of big players such as Andre Russell and Chris Gayle have helped, acknowledged the 27-year-old skipper.

"Guys like Andre Russell make it easy for me, they tend to give a lot of support. I can't thank them enough for the support they have given me, I know they continue to rally behind me.

"It's important for us to continue to build as a group. It's a relatively young side and we have got one or two experienced heads in the cam it's a good mix."

He has rated hosts England as the favourites in the showpiece.

"England are the number one side in the world for good reason, you now they are playing some very good cricket, lot of hype around them, they have obviously got the home advantage.

"I guess got to give them respect being the number side in the world ... All teams are practically equally matched, they are well-balanced sides, sides that can defeat anyone on any particular day.

"We have just got to take it game by game, give everyone the respect they deserve and we will have to execute our plans," Holder said.

"It's a dream," opener Evin Lewis was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council's website when asked about the prospect of West Indies lifting the title.

"Everyone will be glad to be playing in the World Cup. When we won the T20 World Cup in 2016, it was a great feeling, just looking forward to the fifty-over World Cup this year. Hopefully, we can get over the line."

All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, whose heroics won West Indies the World T20 title in 2016, echoed those sentiments.&nbsp;

"Being here with the team, preparing for the World Cup means a lot to me," he said.&nbsp;

"As I always say, putting on the West Indies shirt is always a great feeling and a privilege ? to do it on the world stage, with the ten best teams fighting it out for the trophy, is something special."

Hopes are pinned on a born-again West Indies to relive their glory days but skipper Jason Holder says the upcoming World Cup is "a case of creating our own legacy".

Hopes are pinned on a born-again West Indies to relive their glory days but skipper Jason Holder says the upcoming World Cup is "a case of creating our own legacy". Windies have a proud history at the World Cup, winning the first two editions of the tournament and making the final of the third. After struggling for nearly two decades, a few stunning wins against England recently lifted their spirits. "Not personally," Holder told the ICC when asked if he feels pressurised to re-establish their dominance, adding, "It's just a case of us creating our own legacy. "We obviously know our history what the past players have done. We will take it stage by stage, step by step, not get too far ahead of ourselves." The presence of big players such as Andre Russell and Chris Gayle have helped, acknowledged the 27-year-old skipper. "Guys like Andre Russell make it easy for me, they tend to give a lot of support. I can't thank them enough for the support they have given me, I know they continue to rally behind me. "It's important for us to continue to build as a group. It's a relatively young side and we have got one or two experienced heads in the cam it's a good mix." He has rated hosts England as the favourites in the showpiece. "England are the number one side in the world for good reason, you now they are playing some very good cricket, lot of hype around them, they have obviously got the home advantage. "I guess got to give them respect being the number side in the world ... All teams are practically equally matched, they are well-balanced sides, sides that can defeat anyone on any particular day. "We have just got to take it game by game, give everyone the respect they deserve and we will have to execute our plans," Holder said. "It's a dream," opener Evin Lewis was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council's website when asked about the prospect of West Indies lifting the title. "Everyone will be glad to be playing in the World Cup. When we won the T20 World Cup in 2016, it was a great feeling, just looking forward to the fifty-over World Cup this year. Hopefully, we can get over the line." All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, whose heroics won West Indies the World T20 title in 2016, echoed those sentiments. "Being here with the team, preparing for the World Cup means a lot to me," he said. "As I always say, putting on the West Indies shirt is always a great feeling and a privilege ? to do it on the world stage, with the ten best teams fighting it out for the trophy, is something special."

It's a case of creating our own legacy: Windies skipper Holder on World Cup

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/chris-gayle-named-vice-captain-of-windies-world-cup-team-216601&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiFhI6Ru5DiAhWC63MBHRmGDvIQFjAJegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kEcijDw_MWEBd9BFUcbtJ">West Indies</a> skipper Jason Holder on Friday lauded Shai Hope's consistency over the last two years and said that the player can become one of the best ODI players to ever play for West Indies.

"Shai has been our most consistent player over the last two years. He's the quickest West Indian to 2000 runs, which is a really phenomenal feat. I saw the list of guys on the TV and it`s really good to have him in that company, and if he continues in that vein, he could be arguably one of our best ODI players to ever play," International Cricket Council (ICC) quoted Holder as saying.

Hope has been in tremendous form in the ongoing tri-nation series against Bangladesh and Ireland.

The batsmen recorded his career-best score of 170 runs in the opening match against Ireland and along with fellow opener John Campbell, he registered the highest ever ODI opening partnership of 365 runs.

Campbell missed out on the second match against Bangladesh, but Hope continued to keep his good form going, as he hit another century to allow West Indies to post a respectable total on the board.

West Indies lost the second match against Bangladesh, but Holder hopes that Campbell is fit enough to play in the next match of the Tri-nation series.

"Performances like that is something we`re definitely looking for. John Campbell got a hundred in the first game, but unfortunately, wasn`t fit enough to play the second. But hopefully, we can get him back on the park and firing on all cylinders once more," Holder said.

"I'm happy with how things have gone so far. I think the guys have been working really hard, they`ve been very disciplined. We probably weren`t at our best in the last game, but we`ve had tons of discussions over the last couple of days as to how we can get better and how we can improve, which is what you want in a young group like this one," he added.

West Indies have the best net run rate among the three teams and a win over Ireland in their next match, will take them to a step closer to the tri-series final.

"I'm very positive that we can bounce back against Ireland, and when we play Bangladesh the second time around, we'll put up a much better performance," Holder said.

West Indies takes on Ireland in their next match of the tri-nation series on Saturday, May 11.&nbsp;

West Indies skipper Jason Holder on Friday lauded Shai Hope's consistency over the last two years and said that the player can become one of the best ODI players to ever play for West Indies.

West Indies skipper Jason Holder on Friday lauded Shai Hope's consistency over the last two years and said that the player can become one of the best ODI players to ever play for West Indies. "Shai has been our most consistent player over the last two years. He's the quickest West Indian to 2000 runs, which is a really phenomenal feat. I saw the list of guys on the TV and it`s really good to have him in that company, and if he continues in that vein, he could be arguably one of our best ODI players to ever play," International Cricket Council (ICC) quoted Holder as saying. Hope has been in tremendous form in the ongoing tri-nation series against Bangladesh and Ireland. The batsmen recorded his career-best score of 170 runs in the opening match against Ireland and along with fellow opener John Campbell, he registered the highest ever ODI opening partnership of 365 runs. Campbell missed out on the second match against Bangladesh, but Hope continued to keep his good form going, as he hit another century to allow West Indies to post a respectable total on the board. West Indies lost the second match against Bangladesh, but Holder hopes that Campbell is fit enough to play in the next match of the Tri-nation series. "Performances like that is something we`re definitely looking for. John Campbell got a hundred in the first game, but unfortunately, wasn`t fit enough to play the second. But hopefully, we can get him back on the park and firing on all cylinders once more," Holder said. "I'm happy with how things have gone so far. I think the guys have been working really hard, they`ve been very disciplined. We probably weren`t at our best in the last game, but we`ve had tons of discussions over the last couple of days as to how we can get better and how we can improve, which is what you want in a young group like this one," he added. West Indies have the best net run rate among the three teams and a win over Ireland in their next match, will take them to a step closer to the tri-series final. "I'm very positive that we can bounce back against Ireland, and when we play Bangladesh the second time around, we'll put up a much better performance," Holder said. West Indies takes on Ireland in their next match of the tri-nation series on Saturday, May 11.

Windies captain Jason Holder lauds Shai Hope's consistency ahead of the World Cup

West Indies captain Jason Holder said that his side's main goal is to become the world's number one team after their impressive series victory over England.

England comfortably claimed a consolation win in the third Test on Tuesday, but back-to-back thumping triumphs in Barbados and Antigua had already secured the hosts an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/england-beat-west-indies-by-232-runs-in-final-test-197090">unassailable 2-0 series</a> lead.

"We have got to keep improving in the three facets of the game and be clinical and lot more consistent," said Holder, who missed the game in St Lucia through suspension for a slow over-rate.

"Our bowlers have done an outstanding job. It is up to our batsmen to contribute more.

"We need to continue to build and not rest on our laurels. Our number one goal is to be the number one team in the world so there is a lot to improve on."&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/windies-shannon-gabriel-charged-for-language-used-in-england-test-197093">Windies' Shannon Gabriel charged for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/windies-shannon-gabriel-charged-for-language-used-in-england-test-197093">language</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/windies-shannon-gabriel-charged-for-language-used-in-england-test-197093"> used in England Test</a>

The West Indies have been a shadow of the side which totally dominated world cricket for much of the 1970s and 80s, and after years of struggles, sit eighth in the current ICC rankings, ahead of only Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

The Caribbean outfit do not play a Test until after the World Cup, which finishes in July, with a five-match one-day international series against England next on the agenda.

Chasing an improbable 485 to win on Tuesday, the West Indies were bowled out for 252 despite a battling, unbeaten 102 from Roston Chase.

"I had a chat with Roston before his innings," said Holder.

"He was a little disheartened with his dismissals in this series so it is good to see him knuckle down and get some runs, especially in the context of the day. It would have been easy for us to be rolled over."&nbsp;

Questions for England&nbsp;

England salvaged some pride and confidence in St Lucia, with Mark Wood's fiery spell which saw him take a maiden Test five-wicket haul in the first innings a high point.

Joe Root's players face a potentially career-defining 2019 as England host both the World Cup and an Ashes series.

But questions remain, especially at the top of the order where openers Rory Burns and Keaton Jennings struggled for runs in the first series since Alastair Cook's retirement.

"I think they've all shown what they are capable (of) and the challenge is to do it more regularly," England coach Trevor Bayliss told Sky Sports.

"The early-season Championship matches will play a big role for those at the top. If they score a lot of runs early season it will go a long way to helping them play in that first Ashes Test."

West Indies captain Jason Holder said that his side's main goal is to become the world's number one team after their impressive series victory over England. England comfortably claimed a consolation win in the third Test on Tuesday, but back-to-back thumping triumphs in Barbados and Antigua had already secured the hosts an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

West Indies captain Jason Holder said that his side's main goal is to become the world's number one team after their impressive series victory over England. England comfortably claimed a consolation win in the third Test on Tuesday, but back-to-back thumping triumphs in Barbados and Antigua had already secured the hosts an unassailable 2-0 series lead. "We have got to keep improving in the three facets of the game and be clinical and lot more consistent," said Holder, who missed the game in St Lucia through suspension for a slow over-rate. "Our bowlers have done an outstanding job. It is up to our batsmen to contribute more. "We need to continue to build and not rest on our laurels. Our number one goal is to be the number one team in the world so there is a lot to improve on." Also Read: Windies' Shannon Gabriel charged for language used in England Test The West Indies have been a shadow of the side which totally dominated world cricket for much of the 1970s and 80s, and after years of struggles, sit eighth in the current ICC rankings, ahead of only Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. The Caribbean outfit do not play a Test until after the World Cup, which finishes in July, with a five-match one-day international series against England next on the agenda. Chasing an improbable 485 to win on Tuesday, the West Indies were bowled out for 252 despite a battling, unbeaten 102 from Roston Chase. "I had a chat with Roston before his innings," said Holder. "He was a little disheartened with his dismissals in this series so it is good to see him knuckle down and get some runs, especially in the context of the day. It would have been easy for us to be rolled over." Questions for England England salvaged some pride and confidence in St Lucia, with Mark Wood's fiery spell which saw him take a maiden Test five-wicket haul in the first innings a high point. Joe Root's players face a potentially career-defining 2019 as England host both the World Cup and an Ashes series. But questions remain, especially at the top of the order where openers Rory Burns and Keaton Jennings struggled for runs in the first series since Alastair Cook's retirement. "I think they've all shown what they are capable (of) and the challenge is to do it more regularly," England coach Trevor Bayliss told Sky Sports. "The early-season Championship matches will play a big role for those at the top. If they score a lot of runs early season it will go a long way to helping them play in that first Ashes Test."

Windies aiming to become world's No. 1 team, says Jason Holder

West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the team in place of the suspended Jason Holder in the third and final Test against England starting in St Lucia on Saturday.&nbsp;

Holder was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) because of his team's slow over-rate during the second match in Antigua. The host&nbsp;won by 10 wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Brathwaite previously skippered West Indies in their series defeat by Bangladesh in November when Holder was injured.

"With Jason Holder missing out on the last test, Kraigg Brathwaite will take the reins of captaincy," chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne said.

The selectors added pacer Keemo Paul to the 14-member squad while Alzarri Joseph, whose mother died during the second test, was also included.

"Our heartfelt condolences to Alzarri and his family on the passing of his mother. His heroics in the test were outstanding and shows a player of great character," Browne added.

"We also welcome Keemo Paul back to the squad. He's having a good showing in the West Indies first-class championship."

Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican.

West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the team in place of the suspended Jason Holder in the third and final Test against England starting in St Lucia on Saturday.

West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the team in place of the suspended Jason Holder in the third and final Test against England starting in St Lucia on Saturday. Holder was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) because of his team's slow over-rate during the second match in Antigua. The host won by 10 wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Brathwaite previously skippered West Indies in their series defeat by Bangladesh in November when Holder was injured. "With Jason Holder missing out on the last test, Kraigg Brathwaite will take the reins of captaincy," chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne said. The selectors added pacer Keemo Paul to the 14-member squad while Alzarri Joseph, whose mother died during the second test, was also included. "Our heartfelt condolences to Alzarri and his family on the passing of his mother. His heroics in the test were outstanding and shows a player of great character," Browne added. "We also welcome Keemo Paul back to the squad. He's having a good showing in the West Indies first-class championship." Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican.

Brathwaite to replace suspended Jason Holder as Windies captain in 3rd Test against England

There was no change in India captain Virat Kohli's position at the top of Test batsmen's list but West Indies skipper Jason Holder emulated Sir Gary Sobers to become world's No 1 all-rounder in the latest Test rankings released by the ICC.

Sir Gary Sobers was the last cricketer from Caribbean islands to top the list in March 1974 and Holder has now emulated him following his 202 not out off 229 balls in West Indies' emphatic win against England.

Holder leapfrogged Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan and India's Ravindra Jadeja to grab the number one spot for the first time in his career. Jadeja who slipped a place in all-rounder's list maintained his fifth position in bowler's list.

Cheteshwar Pujara (3rd) among batsmen and Ravichandran Ashwin (9th) among bowlers also held on to their last week's rankings.

There was no change in India captain Virat Kohli's position at the top of Test batsmen's list but West Indies skipper Jason Holder emulated Sir Gary Sobers to become world's No 1 all-rounder in the latest Test rankings released by the ICC.

There was no change in India captain Virat Kohli's position at the top of Test batsmen's list but West Indies skipper Jason Holder emulated Sir Gary Sobers to become world's No 1 all-rounder in the latest Test rankings released by the ICC. Sir Gary Sobers was the last cricketer from Caribbean islands to top the list in March 1974 and Holder has now emulated him following his 202 not out off 229 balls in West Indies' emphatic win against England. Holder leapfrogged Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan and India's Ravindra Jadeja to grab the number one spot for the first time in his career. Jadeja who slipped a place in all-rounder's list maintained his fifth position in bowler's list. Cheteshwar Pujara (3rd) among batsmen and Ravichandran Ashwin (9th) among bowlers also held on to their last week's rankings.

ICC Rankings: Kohli maintains top position, Holder becomes premier all-rounder

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