Holder, Seales eager to go at England in opening Test
Published:Tuesday | July 9, 2024 | 12:10 AMLennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer
A SPRIGHTLY training session yesterday seemed to have energised the touring West Indies side who will bow into action against England tomorrow in the first Test at Lord’s.
After watching the regional side perform admirably against Australia earlier in the year, former captain Jason Holder made it clear that he has once again been bitten by the Test cricket bug, and he is eagerly anticipating donning his whites and playing his part in a team that has been gelling nicely and playing a brand of cricket that fans have come to admire.
“The guys took a lot from that Test victory in Australia and what we have in the dressing room is some special talent. As a young side, the main thing is just to keep learning and take all the experience and just build on it.”
Break the shackles
Holder’s return to form was underscored by a productive stint with Worcestershire in the County Championship, where he found renewed vigour and camaraderie.
His preparation included valuable match practice, culminating in an unbeaten century against Kent, setting the stage for his return to international duty with a sense of fulfilment and readiness.
“It was one hell of an experience playing for Worcestershire and the love the boys showed me was second to none. Right now though, it’s time for us to break the shackles and come here and beat England, which would be a great feat.”
The last time the West Indies won a Test series in England was 1988. However, they did manage to win matches in 2017 and 2020.
The regional side are the holders of the Richards-Botham Trophy having defeated the Englishmen 1-0 in the Caribbean in 2021-2022.
Trinidadian fast bowler Jayden Seales was part of that winning team and the speedster, who also had a stint recently with Sussex in the English County Championship, is hoping that he can bring the same intensity at the home of cricket.
“It’s a dream to play at Lord’s and for me, it’s all about taking in everything that comes with the occasion and just expressing myself as much as I can.”