ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC—Seasoned all-rounder Jason Holder has underscored the need for clinical execution if the West Indies are to impact the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup.
The former West Indies Test and One-Day captain said that while the Caribbean hosts had “excellent chances” of winning the June 1-29 showpiece, it was critical that they “delivered on the day” despite the squad’s composition.
“Like anybody else in the competition, I think we’ve got excellent chances,” the 32-year-old said.
“We’ll probably know the conditions better than anybody else. T20 cricket is one of those formats where the names on paper don’t matter; it’s all about what you deliver on the day.
“And we must start the competition well and set a good precedent throughout the entire competition.”
He continued, “We’ve got a team with much depth. It is very, very important to have depth.
“We’ve got primarily two-dimensional cricketers – some three – and it’s a matter for us just to come and deliver.
“We’ve got to hold our nerve, deliver, and enjoy doing what we’re doing. We wouldn’t be a West Indies team if we didn’t enjoy what we’re doing and play the cricket we know how to play.”
Holder, a veteran of 64 Tests and 138 One-Dayers, has recently reinvented himself as a vital member of the West Indies T20 side. Over the last three years, he has grabbed 53 wickets at an average of 26 from 46 matches.
Last year, he managed 12 wickets from 11 matches as the West Indies won a series against South Africa, India, and England.
Holder said the team’s form was crucial to their preparation, especially in building confidence.
“I think our preparation for the World Cup from a match-play perspective has been really good,” he said.
“We’ve won the last three out of four series, and more than likely, we’ll be going into this World Cup with [ourselves] in good spirits.”
He added: “There’s lots of cricket going on, plenty of T20 cricket leading up to the World Cup, which many boys will be involved in.
“For those not involved, there’s first-class cricket going on here in the Caribbean, and then I’m sure they’ll have a few camps before the start of the big tournament.
“So I think preparations-wise, we’ll be in good stead heading into this competition.”
Two-time former T20 World Cup champions West Indies have been installed in Group C alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda.
and then 