WELLINGTON – West Indies captain Jason Holder believes his side’s performance in the drawn lone tour match against New Zealand last weekend, has left them in a good place for tomorrow’s opening cricket Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve.
“I’m pleased with where we’re at at the moment. The guys got time to spend in the middle, bowlers got a run out . . . It was a good effort and I think going into this [Test] we should be full of confidence,” the all-rounder said.
He added: “For the guys who missed out, [the Test] is another opportunity for them hopefully if they get a chance, to get some scores, so there’s plenty to look forward to, and I’m looking forward to really good things from this group.”
22-year drought
West Indies are without a win at the Basin Reserve in 22 years – the last time they won a series on New Zealand soil. In fact, their last three outings at the ground ended in heavy defeats with the last coming in 2013 when they went down by an innings and 73 runs.
Holder said it was imperative the team performed regardless of the nature of the pitch.
“From what I’ve seen before, it tends to have a bit of grass on it and probably does a little bit early on. It can be a good wicket when you’re batting as well,” said Holder, yet to play a Test in New Zealand.
“We probably need to assess as early as possible when we first get there. I guess the first session of any Test match is very, very crucial along with the first day. Whether we bat or bowl, we just need to make whatever we do count.”
Meanwhile, fast bowler Kemar Roach has warned against inconsistency.
“Consistency is always our downfall. I think once we get on the park and play as one, I think the performances will come,” Roach said yesterday.
“The guys have been preparing well [and] working very hard and I think this Test series is going to be a very good one.
“I think the New Zealand team is a very good one and I think once we can come in here and perform well as we would like to do, go out there and put the best foot forward, it will be pretty much a good series.”
Roach, who returned to international cricket five months ago following nearly a year-and-a-half’s absence, said their historic win at Leeds last August had been particularly inspiring and had done much for the squad’s confidence.
“That second Test in England was very historic for us and I think it gave us a greater sense of belief. I think the guys now are more confident in themselves and realise we can beat top teams and top individual players,” Roach pointed out.
“I think once we keep believing in ourselves there is nothing that can stop us. I think we just have to be consistent and keep working hard, and never take anything for granted and I think the performances will come.”
42-Test veteran
A veteran of 42 Tests – the most by anyone in the current side – Roach was their best bowler on the three-Test tour of England with 11 wickets, and still managed to bowl impressively on the flat, slow tracks in Zimbabwe earlier this month when he picked up six wickets in two Tests there.
“I’m one of the guys who has played the most Test matches so I’m looked at as more senior,” he noted.
“I think I’m very confident in my bowling right now, I’m feeling good about myself, I’ve been able to stay on the park and stay fit for a longer period of time and that’s really good for me,” he added. (CMC)
