SOUTHAMPTON, England, CMC – Captain Jason Holder said yesterday he was thrilled with his seventh career-five wicket haul that proved England’s undoing but stressed he was already focussed on helping West Indies build a sizeable lead with the bat in order to consolidate their advantage.
The 28-year-old fast bowler produced a remarkable spell of six for 42 as England were dismissed on the stroke of tea on the second day for 204 in their first innings, after resuming the morning on 35 for one.
For Holder, the performance marked his sixth five-wicket haul in his last 10 Tests but was quick to caution the match was far from over and he now needed to get among the runs to ensure West Indies took control of the opening Test at the Ageas Bowl.
“I think I’ve soaked it in already. I really want to make some runs. I’ve done a good job in the first innings so far but my Test match is far from over,” Holder told reporters.
“I’ve still got a massive contribution to make with the bat and that’s where my focus is going to be for this first innings as well. I don’t get too caught up with it (bowling performance); [there’s] still a long way to go.
“We’ve got three long days of cricket left and we’ve got to stay on top of our game.”
He continued: “It’s very early days in this series. It’s only two days into this Test series so it’s pretty difficult to get on top and ride on a little glimpse of success.
“We’ve got to bat well, we’ve got to make sure that we put this first innings to bed by posting a really good total and get a lead – I think a lead is pivotal and crucial.
“We’ve really got to bat well and focus on our batting as opposed to getting caught up with the series result and past results.”
In reply, West Indies finished the day on 57 for one, losing left-handed opener John Campbell for 28, lbw to seamer Jimmy Anderson.
Heading into Friday’s day three, the Caribbean side trail by 147 runs and Holder said it was critical the side’s batsmen built on the foundation set.
“I think this evening’s passage of play was really important. I wasn’t too caught up with the close of play score. I think I was more concerned with the number of wickets we go into tomorrow with, and I think the batters have done an outstanding job,” he explained.
“Kraigg (Brathwaite) has battled and gotten through this evening’s passage of play, Shai (Hope) as well he’s also come in and looked the part. I think we’ve set it up nicely so far, it’s just a matter of continuing to push towards their first innings total and just keep moving gradually.
“We’ve got to make the England bowlers come to us; we shouldn’t go looking for things tomorrow. I think the first hour is very, very crucial and if we can keep them at bay for that first hour especially then I think we can be seeing second and third spells later on in the day from these bowlers.”
Earlier, Holder extracted sideways movement while exhibiting excellent control to pick up two of the four wickets to fall in the first session as England declined from 48 for one, to 106 for five at lunch.
Afterwards, he snatched four of the last five wickets which perished for 50 runs to destroy England’s lower order.
“It feels good. Obviously it’s a proud moment just taking six wickets against England but anything to help this team,” Holder noted.
“I know my role in this team – my role is just to contribute with bat and ball. Today I had ball in hand and I was able to get some success and I think it’s on the back of a wonderful bowling unit.
“I think Shannon (Gabriel) led the way up front [with four wickets] and even though Kemar (Roach) didn’t get any wickets he was very, very tidy.
“Alzarri (Joseph) looked better as he went on and we really complimented each other and I was able to get into a really good rhythm today and got the results obviously.”
