Explorer

India vs West Indies: Captain Jason Holder talks about 'ultimate aim' of West Indies

Antigua: West Indies skipper Jason Holder doesn't expect his young and inexperienced side to improve by leaps and bounds and said they are looking for a steady progression as they go into the four-Test series against India with confidence. "The ultimate aim is to start performing well in Test cricket. We have got a young side, and we are looking to build something," said Holder ahead of the opening Test starting at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here on Thursday. "In the last series we played in Australia, we didn't start really well. Moving on into the Test series, we got significantly better. "All I stress and address with the guys is to keep improving. You can't expect leaps and bounds, too much from a very young side. Once we get the steady progression in terms of improvement, I think we'll move forward," Holder also stressed on the importance of fitness during a four-match Test series. "In the recent past, we've played two-three Test matches in a series and this is the first time I am involved in a four-match series. It's really important that we manage our bodies as well as possible," he said. "It's not going to be easy. But once you manage yourselves well, in between Test matches and on the field, you should get through quite well," he added. The pitch here in St. John's has been the centre of attraction as there is a little grass left on it. It is a bit different from the slow wickets laid out for the two practice games in St. Kitts. Holder said: "The wickets have died down significantly. If you look at the series in the recent past, you see a lot slow turning tracks. I remember the last time in Antigua, it was a pretty good wicket and it lasted all five days. If this wicket's anything similar to that, we can expect a really competitive game. "Having said that, it's hard to predict what you get at certain places you go. I think it's just a matter of assessing whatever you get and make a decision there in terms of your selections and combinations," he added. West Indies will be relying on a mix of experience in the form of Marlon Samuels and Darren Bravo, while some of their younger players have already tasted the Indian bowling in St. Kitts.

Top Headlines

Gill rues middle-order collapse after defeat
Gill rues middle-order collapse after defeat
Root digs in as England level series with four-wicket victory over India
Root digs in as England level series with four-wicket victory over India
WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah Scripts History With Stunning First-Ball Wicket Against England
WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah Scripts History With Stunning First-Ball Wicket Against England
Rohit Sharma To Retire After IND vs ENG 3rd ODI? Report Makes Explosive Claim
Rohit Sharma To Retire After IND vs ENG 3rd ODI? Report Makes Explosive Claim

Videos

BREAKING: UP Action Intensifies Against Azam Khan's Jauhar University Over Alleged Illegal Structures
CONTROVERSY ALERT: Maulana’s Remarks on Lord Krishna Spark Political and Religious Debate
WAR UPDATE: US-Iran Conflict Escalates as Reports Claim Strikes on Strategic Iranian Sites
MIDDLE EAST ALERT: Tehran Air Defense Activated After Reports of Strike Near Semnan Airport
POLITICAL WAR: UP Election Heat Rises as Yogi, SP and Congress Clash Over Security and Development Issues

Photo Gallery

25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Embed widget