Number-one ranked Test all-rounder, Jason Holder believes West Indies has what it takes to come out victorious against Sri Lanka in their upcoming two-Test series.
Holder spoke on the sidelines upon their arrival in Sri Lanka, pointing out that the side will need to produce consistent performances against an opposition that is strong at home in order to come out with the win.
“Consistency in all three departments bowling, fielding and batting, we’ve just got to be consistent. It is going to be challenging because they are very good in their back yard and we expect a really good contest but having said that I think we have what it takes to beat them. We’ve just got to be brave, got to be smart and play some solid cricket,” he said.
The former captain indicated that winning was vital for the Caribbean unit and coming off a drawn series at home, they will be eager to secure success.
He added, “I think winning is very important to us. We have been building quite nicely as a Test team. Our last series wasn’t the end we were looking for obviously but a draw nevertheless so we will be looking to go one step further in the series against Sri Lanka away from home and win this one.”
Holder added, “I think these performances away from home add a little bit more value in foreign conditions but I think it will be a really good challenge, I think we got a really good team and we can hit the ground running in this first warm up game and guys get acclimatized and do really well.”
The 30-year-old was cognizant of the importance of the series in the World Test Championships, noting, “I think for us all it is important because you are building towards another trophy, we’ve started this campaign reasonably well in this second sector of the Test championship and we are looking forward to building points. It is very crucial each game and we know what’s at stake so we as individuals got to play our roles in terms of bringing together a strong collective effort.”
West Indies last toured Sri Lanka in 2015/2016 when the hosts won 2-0. The two sides later locked horns in the Caribbean in two series after, both of which ended draws.
