Jason Holder says West Indies win in Australia inspired his return to Test cricket for series against England

Jason Holder says West Indies’ victory over Australia in January has rekindled his desire for Test cricket as he aims to help his nation win a first series in England since 1988.

West Indies won a thriller in Brisbane by eight runs earlier this year as Shamar Joseph’s seven wickets sealed a first Test triumph in Australia since 1997 and a 1-1 draw in the series.

Former captain Holder opted out of the tour to play in the UAE T20 franchise league but is back in the squad for the matches against England.

Speaking ahead of the first Test at Lord’s on Wednesday, which is being broadcast live on Sky SportsHolder said: “I was so happy for the boys when they did what they did in Australia.

“It’s given me renewed energy to be back in the group and be part of something special again. I’ve missed Test cricket and I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s important (to build on Australia). I think the guys learned a lot from it. We’re going to win this series.

“We have some special talents in the dressing room, it’s just about playing solid cricket and believing in it.

“We have done some really positive things in the last few months and as a young team the main thing is to keep learning.”

“There is no better time to beat England than now”

Holder was captain on the West Indies’ last tour of England in the Covid-hit summer of 2020.

The Caribbean team won the first Test in Southampton before losing the next two at Emirates Old Trafford, in a trip Holder recalls feeling like “being in prison” due to social distancing required during the pandemic.

He said: “We won a Test last time out and we are looking to go further and two would be much better on this trip.

“There’s no better time to beat England than now. I think it would be an achievement and this team has everything they need.

West Indies are now led by captain Kraigg Brathwaite but Holder says he continues to share his wisdom with his team-mates, many of whom are on their first tour of England.

The all-rounder added: “I’m quite relaxed in the locker room.

“I’ve had individual conversations with the players, just trying to understand them so that when we go out on the field, I have a better idea of them as a person.

“I can then be in a better position to help them if needed, but the boys have been very welcoming and receptive to the information I have shared. I have also learned from them.”

Holder and team-mate Jayden Seales hope their success on the pitch in England can go some way to helping those left behind in the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Beryl.

Holder, originally from Barbados, said: “One thing that brings West Indians together is cricket.

“Our recent success has given life to Caribbean cricketers. We want to make them as proud as possible in these difficult times.”

Trinidadian youngster Seales, who missed the Australian series through injury, said: “We’re not doing it for ourselves. We’re doing it for the people back home who support us.”

“They were hit hard by the hurricane. We will do our best to give them back a sense of pride.

Watch the first test between England and West Indies live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10am on Wednesday (11am first ball).

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