Days 1 and 2 are behind us in the first test match between West Indies and India, playing in Roseau, Dominica. Day one, undoubtedly belongs to the Indians, and more specifically, Ravi Ashwin 5 wickets for 60 runs, and Ravindra Jadeja 3 wickets for 26 runs. The low light for the West Indies shone, or should I say, twinkled a little due to the fighting test match debut innings of Alick Athenaze, who was the leading batter with 47 runs. And the often-overlooked West Indian, Rahkeem Cornwall chipped in with the next highest run total of 19 runs not out. West Indies were all out for 150 runs.
The star of India shone most brightly for test new boy, Yashasvi Jaiswal who showed quality, class and finesse with a very sparkling innings and a debut test century. He was 143 runs not out at close of play on day two. Jaiswal was supported and encouraged by captain Rohit Sharma, who not unexpectedly, scored another test century of 103 runs. Sharma and Shubman Gill (6 runs) are the two Indian batters who are out. India at close of play on day two had scored 312 runs for 2 wickets with Virat Kohli not out on 36 along with Jaiswal. West Indies captain Brathwaite used 9 different bowlers in his attempt to break through the Indian batters. But thus far India are fully in the driving seat.
On the flip side, long-suffering West Indies supporters must be wondering how many more years of these disappointing performances they can accept from their team. In the past 2 years from August 2021 to August 2023, well, almost two years. West Indies have won a total of 5 test matches, 2 versus Bangladesh, 1 each against Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and England. Meanwhile, West Indies Coaches have been changed, fired, or retired. Team’s selectors have come and gone too.
However, one player above many has been repeatedly selected as the most important and impactful of the entire West Indies test eleven. That player is Jason Holder. In the period from August 2021 up to today, Jason has had 18 test innings. He has scored a total of 307 runs. Average 18 runs per innings with one not out of 81 runs. His wicket total in the period (20 bowling innings) is 15 wickets for 777 runs, average of 51.8 runs per wicket.
These numbers, call them statistics if you prefer. They don’t lie, neither are they misleading. The numbers shout volumes. I am neither hard of hearing nor devoid of speech. Loud and clear I am asking, why and how is it that this unproductive Jason Holder, is still holding on to a coveted place in this West Indies test team?
By Dennis Heath