Jason Holder gave an outstanding example of what leading from the front is all about, as he helped the West Indies run through the Indian batting line up in the first session on Day 3 of the ongoing second Test at Hyderabad.
On what is increasingly becoming a new ball surface because of the uneven bounce and lateral seam movement off the surface, Holder started off brilliantly, as he removed the good-looking Ajinkya Rahane for 80 and then simply went past the defense of Ravindra Jadeja for a duck on the next ball.
Holder dislodged Kuldeep Yadav's off-stump to complete his third consecutive five-wicket haul in Test cricket. It was the first time a West Indies pacer has taken a five-fer in India since 1994.
All of this, after having already gotten out Virat Kohli LBW for a score of 45 against the run of the play on Day 2.
Holder, who scored absolutely vital 52 runs in the first innings, finished with figures of 5-56, his fifth five-wicket haul in Test match cricket.
He, along with the world-class Shannon Gabriel, ensured that they limit India's lead to just 56 runs, when it threatened to be much more before the day's play began.
Very deservingly, the admirable Jason Holder received praise from everyone around the cricketing world. Here are some of the tweets:
Till this Test no quick bowler had a five fer at this venue EVER! Now there are two! @y_umesh @Jaseholder98 #INDvWIN #Hyderabad
— Gautam Bhimani (@gbhimani) October 14, 2018
Jason Holder is such an impressive cricketer. During the roller coaster ride of Windes cricket he is a shining light. Scores runs, picks up wickets & plays the game in the right manner. #respect #INDvWI
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) October 14, 2018
Holder’s been outstanding, as captain, batsman, and particularly as bowler this morning. India’s lead negligible so far considering they bat last on a pitch that is already showing cracks
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) October 14, 2018
Absolutely delighted to see the change and growth of Jason Holder the bowler. He is not your bits and pieces cricketer anymore.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 14, 2018
Quality stuff from WI today. ????????????????#INDvWI
50 runs. 5 wickets and counting. Jason Holder’s made his presence felt....and also, reminded us of his absence at Rajkot. #IndvWI
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 14, 2018
Brilliant from the windies this morning, specially from Jason Holder. Nicely poised this game #INDvWI
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) October 14, 2018