Holder: Windies will have a go at Aussies
West Indies allrounder Jason Holder says they are not just going to sit back and make up the numbers in the Test series against Australia starting in Dominica on Wednesday.
The Aussies are in the Caribbean to play two Tests as they build up towards the Ashes series in England that starts in July.
The Windies, who are ranked a lowly eighth in world cricket, completed a moral-boosting one-all series draw against England last month.
Holder said: "They're ranked No.2 in the world and that says a lot. We're currently down at eight and we need to work our way up.
"We have to give them the respect they're due but obviously we're coming to compete and win this series. We'll be coming in quite hard at them. Looking to be aggressive and at least continue the rich vein of form we had in the England series.
The axing of veteran batsman Shiv Chanderpaul from the Windies squad has stirred up lots of debate in the Caribbean but Holder wants to keep the focus on the players selected.
He said: "The exclusion of Shiv has caused a lot of talk. That's beyond me at this present time, my focus right now is on cricket. It's quite important we put cricket first and try to perform well against Australia."
Latest
-
NewsEngland’s ‘frightening’ batting options mean the heat is always on – Jason Roy
Roy insists the competition for his role as opener will not affect the way he plays.
-
NewsJoe Root named on shortlist for ICC cricketer of the decade
Award winners will be announced in December.
-
NewsBatting strength has England in strong position for T20 World Cup – Jason Roy
Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are among the options at the top of the order.
-
NewsICC elect Greg Barclay as new chairman
New Zealander Greg Barclay assumes the wheel at the ICC.
-
NewsSilverwood unlikely to try Stokes-Buttler IPL job swap for England
Ben Stokes was promoted to the top of the order and Jos Buttler slotted in down at number five for Rajasthan Royals recently.
-
NewsRassie upbeat ahead of T20 series despite contrasting build-ups
South Africa have not played together since March while England had a full international programme over the summer.
-
NewsTendulkar suggests plan to stifle Smith
Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar has offered some advice to India’s bowlers on how to deal with Australia’s star batsman Steven Smith.
-
NewsIndia suffer double blow as Rohit and Ishant ruled out
India will have to do without the services of Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma during the first two Tests against Australia.
-
NewsSam Curran stars as England get creative in internal T20 practice match in Paarl
Jos Buttler’s XI coasted to victory over Eoin Morgan’s team, with a second target then hastily set to gain more practice time.
-
NewsKagiso Rabada reiterates BLM support as South Africa opt against taking knee
The Proteas will not take a knee during the forthcoming series against England.