WI v ENG 2019: Was not thinking about the double hundred, says captain Holder

The West Indies skipper led from the front with his memorable knock on Day 3 in Barbados.

Holder and Shane Dowrich added 295 runs for the seventh wicket | Getty

Jason Holder dominated the English bowlers through his unbeaten knock of 202* to help West Indies take their second innings lead past 600 in the ongoing first Test at Barbados. 

The skipper amassed his maiden double ton at the highest level but he says that the main objective was to take this game away from the visitors and there weren't any self-serving thoughts about the landmark. 

"I was ecstatic when I reached my double. Lots of hard work and effort went into it. The double was never in my thoughts, but I got close and went on and pushed for it," said Holder, who struck 22 fours, eight sixes in his stay and stretched a 295-run seventh wicket partnership with Shane Dowrich on Day 3, "We needed a hundred today and I went out there and got it. We need wickets tomorrow, so I have another job on my hands." 

"It was beautiful day … a wonderful day and I’m happy with the way things went. There was some challenging bowling from England, very difficult to bat especially against (Ben) Stokes and Jimmy (Anderson). Was great to have friends and family here watching … this is where I made my debut and a ground where I enjoy playing."

Holder also spoke about the slow start that he had to his now 36 Test old career in which he currently averages 30 with the bat and 28.5 with the ball. 

"I guess it was slow start to my career. I took some time to find my way around Test cricket," he added, "Clive Lloyd is someone I hold in high regard, and he told me he learned to play Tests after 3 years. Getting the performances I am getting now is very pleasing and hope to keep on performing like this."

The inspirational captain also lavished rich praise on Shane Dowrich, who played a solid knock of 116* and in the process recorded his third Test century. 

"Shane and myself, we have a really good friendship. We have known each other from school cricket days so we complement each other well while batting," Holder signed off. 

(Inputs from ICC)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 26 Jan, 2019

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