West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder has confirmed that playing Test cricket remains one of his top priorities despite opting out of red-ball matches in Australia. The Barbadian believes it is best for him to play as much T20 cricket as possible in the lead-up to next year’s World Cup.
The West Indies have included seven players who have not previously played in the two-Test series Down Under, and the tour is set to be without Holder and Kyle Mayers. Even with a full-strength team, Australia easily beat the West Indies in last year’s series.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Holder admitted that opting out of the Australia tour was a difficult decision, but also the right one.
“This is not me turning my back on Test cricket in any way. This is not me turning my back on Test cricket in any way. It’s not me turning my back on Test cricket in any way. It’s the first time I’ve gone through something like this and I felt it was necessary to be as honest and open with CWI as I can.” I can. It was a very difficult decision: I feel as though this is the right decision for me in cricket at this time. “
The seam bowler explained that he will feel relieved, knowing that he has given himself the best chance of featuring in the T20 World Cup.
“It’s been tough. But as much as I love Test cricket, I want to give myself the best chance of playing in that World Cup. I felt it was probably best to prioritize and focus on playing as much T20 cricket as possible before the World Cup. It’s possible.” Maybe I’ll sleep a little better knowing I gave myself the best chance to do this.
The West Indies have won the T20 World Cup twice but were eliminated in the qualifiers in Australia. The Caribbean also failed to qualify for the main draw of the last 50 World Cup.
“I’ve never played a World Cup on home soil” – Jason Holder
