CWI Selector Asserts Jason Holder Is An Integral Part Of The Team Despite Test Captaincy Removal

West Indies national team’s chief selector Roger Harper jas iterated Jason Holder’s importance to the side despite being stripped of the Test captaincy. Quite recently, West Indies announced a change in guard, handing opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite the reins of the Test outfit moving forward. But Roger Harper insisted that Jason Holder remains an integral part of the setup across formats.

Kraigg Brathwaite took charge of the Test team in Bangladesh recently as Jason Holder opted out of the tour due to fatigue and the concerns relating to COVID-19 protocols in place. And despite not having a full-strength side, Brathwaite delivered a 2-0 series victory, including chasing a mammoth target of 395 in the first Test. On the other hand, Holder’s recent results have not been inspiring enough.

Roger Harper stands to appreciate what Jason Holder has achieved as captain since he took over the captaincy at a young age and when the team was unsettled. Harper believes that Holder has had his successful moments as he has grown up to become one of the leading all-rounders in the world. The former West India batsman believes that being relieved of captaincy helps him to focus on his game and take it to a higher level. Harper felt that giving Brathwaite the leadership signals that the team is ready to move forward.

“We must appreciate what Jason has done as captain. He came in at a very young age, took the captaincy at a time when the team was a little unsettled, and he grew with the job and performed creditably. He’s had his moments of success and he has grown as a player as well to become the leading allrounder in the world. I really think that Jason is a very integral part of the Test team and West Indies cricket going forwards. He plays all three formats and I think it’s an opportunity for him to really focus on taking his game to higher levels. I think that with him at his best and with Kraigg given the captaincy, it’s an opportunity for the team to move forwards,” Harper told ESPN Cricinfo.

Jason Holder ready to give Kraigg Brathwaite all the support he needs: Roger Harper

The Guyanese is looking forward to the 29-year old performing his role exceptionally well into the side as a senior player. Roger Harper also revealed that the seam-bowling all-rounder is fully geared up to provide Brathwaite all the support he needs and the two players having a close relationship bodes well for West Indies cricket.

“I look forward to him performing exceptionally well in his role as a player and still as a leader as one of the senior players in this team. It was great to hear him say that he’s committed to giving Kraigg all the support needed and hearing the new captain saying that they have a very close relationship. I think that augurs very well for West Indies cricket going forward,” he added.

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