Shai Hope's barren run in Test cricket may have seen many give up on him as a No.3 in this West Indies line-up, but importantly, skipper Jason Holder isn't one of those.
The 26-year-old right-hander who averages only 26.36 after 33 Tests, hasn't made a hundred in traditional whites since his Headingley heroics on the 2017 trip and has just 57 runs after four innings in the ongoing series against England.
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However, Holder still has a lot of faith in Hope's ability and is willing to give him at least one more game before making any long-term decision.
"We all know what Shai can produce and has done before at this level at Test cricket," said Holder at a media conference on the eve of the series-decider, beginning Friday (July 24).
"He’s arguably one of the best one-day batsmen in the world and we know the calibre of player he can be. I’ve got full confidence in Shai to get some runs."
“He’s got starts so far in this series, so he’s not far off converting a start into something really special for us. So, he’s got my full support," the captain added.
Chances of Hope being retained in the team were considered minimal when coach Phil Simmons said West Indies may have a completely new top-order, with the exception of Kraigg Brathwaite, in Manchester.
Holder, though, backed his wards amidst criticism of their inconsistent bowling and twin collapse with the bat in the 113-run defeat in the second Test.
"Everyone has pulled up really well," he said. "Having Test matches with a short turnaround, such as it has been, has been tough. No doubt, both teams will be feeling it. But we’ve got enough motivation to keep pushing; we’ve got a chance to win this series, and we’ve been playing some pretty decent cricket."
With the playing square at Old Trafford showing signs of drying out in the previous game itself, the only change that visitors could make is bringing specialist off-spinner Rakheem Cornwall in the XI, replacing one of the pacers.
"If he does come in, he’s a wicket-taker," said Holder. "No doubt... he would be the best spinner on show in this series. He’s always a wicket-taking option for us, brings a bit more slip-catching and he can bat."
(Inputs from Reuters)
