Windies skipper Jason Holder out of second Test

HAMILTON, New Zealand, (CMC):

Still reeling from their heavy innings defeat to the Black Caps in the opening Test, West Indies were dealt another blow on Tuesday when captain Jason Holder was ruled out of the second Test after being suspended by the International Cricket Council for an over-rate offence.

The ICC announced that West Indies had been hit by a slow over-rate penalty after being adjudged to be three overs short of their target during the opening Test which the Windies lost by an innings and 67 runs inside four days on Monday at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

While the players were fined 30 per cent of their match fee, Holder, as captain, was hit with a 60 per cent fine.

Under ICC regulations, players are players are fined 10 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl within the specified time, with the captain fined double.

It is now expected that opener and vice-captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, will step up to lead the side in Holder’s absence.

The second Test bowls off on Saturday.