WI didn’t win in India even with Lara, Holder tells critics

Hyderabad, October 10 

West Indies skipper Jason Holder on Wednesday took a dig at his team’s critics, pointing out that even a far superior Caribbean outfit of the 90s, with the legendary Brian Lara in its ranks, couldn’t win a Test series in India. West Indies last drew a Test series in India way back in 1994, when Lara scored 91 at Mohali. 

When asked about the critics lashing out at their horrendous show in the first Test against India in Rajkot, Holder said: “We are playing the No. 1 team, India, in their backyard. And history would show we haven’t won a Test match here since 1994. And if you look at the players who came through West Indies cricket — I think Brian Lara and these greats have been playing all that time.”   

A few days back, former West Indies captain Carl Hooper had suggested that the West Indian cricketers were more interested in landing a contract with cash-rich T20 leagues than representing the country. Holder, without taking names, offered a different opinion. “Again, everyone is entitled to his opinion. I just focus primarily on what I have to do and what the team has to do. There’s no point worrying about what people have to say because people will always have something to say,” he said. “The only way we can silence the critics — or try to silence them because I don’t think they’ll ever shut up — is by playing cricket.”

The all-rounder, who is yet to get fully fit for the second Test, looked clearly unhappy with all the barbs thrown at his inexperienced side.

“A lot has been said about this Test team in particular; things that I am not in agreement with. Because we have beaten top sides in the last two-three series we’ve played,” he said. — PTI