Jason Holder has appealed for patience from West Indies supporters as his inexperienced side try to come to grips with one-day cricket.
Holder, West Indies’ captain, knows that time is running out if West Indies are to qualify automatically for the World Cup in 2019. Currently sitting ninth in the ODI rankings, they must make it back into the top eight before the end of September if they are to avoid the qualifying tournament. A series against Pakistan, the eighth ranked side, in the Caribbean in April could prove crucial.
The final match against England is also important. While the series is lost – West Indies are 2-0 down with only Thursday’s final ODI in Barbados to play – Holder knows that any ranking points picked up in the last match could still prove important with World Cup qualification in mind.
But, while appreciating the need to improve results in the short term, Holder also knows it will take time for his side to adapt to the demands of international cricket. England’s captain, Eoin Morgan, has more ODI caps than the whole West Indies team could have in Barbados.
“Obviously, the patience is running out with the public,” Holder admitted. “But we’re still human beings. We’re very young on the international circuit.
“You’ve got to bear with them a bit, but it’s important we learn as quickly as possible.”
West Indies held promising positions in both the first two ODIs (England were 129 for 4 in the first match and 124 for 6 in second) but, perhaps in part due to a lack of experience or a lack of confidence, were unable to take advantage. Holder, while frustrated by the results, described himself as “encouraged” by the potential he saw in his side.
“I’m definitely encouraged,” Holder said. “We just need to string it altogether. In the first game, we obviously showed glimpses that we can compete. But it’s just those pivotal moments we just need to seize and I think that’s maybe where our inexperience comes to the fore.
“In the last game, we were a main bowler short with Shannon Gabriel pulling up after his second or third over. That set us back a little bit. There’s obviously still a lot to play for. Every point is crucial now, going into the World Cup qualification and that’s the way we’re seeing this game.”