Holder doubtful for do-or-die clash
Vinode Mamchan
Published: Guardian+
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Kieron Pollard...may be forced to lead Windies into battle tomorrow. Photo courtesy Windiescricket.
A decision will be made tomorrow morning, as to whether West Indies captain Jason Holder will take the field against South Africa in the final preliminary round match of the Ballr Tri-series at Kensington Oval later in the day.
The 24-year-old fast bowler sent down only two overs in Tuesday’s six-wicket loss to Australia before he was forced from the field with a left-hamstring strain.
He was expected to undergo scans on the injury on Wednesday but instead will now receive treatment and be monitored ahead of the upcoming game.
His absence forced the West Indies to use occasional legspinner Andre Fletcher and stand-in captain Kieron Pollard as part of the bowling effort.
Australia, chasing 283 to secure a place in the tri-series final, reached their target with eight balls to spare thanks to a cameo unbeaten 46 not out from 26 deliveries from Glenn Maxwell and half centuries from Mitchell Marsh and their captain Steve Smith.
The result took the Australians to Sunday’s final and left the West Indies to battle South Africa in a virtual do or die contest tomorrow to decide who will be the other finalist.
“I’ve strained my left hamstring,†Holder said after the match. “Hopefully I’ll be ready for the game on Friday, still not sure at the moment. I think the bowlers made a very good attempt at trying to defend the runs. It was just unfortunate we were one bowler short.
“Fletcher came on and slipped in three tight overs. In hindsight he probably could have gone on for two more. Having said that we fought right down to the end with a bowler short, so credit must go to the bowling unit.â€
A team spokesperson said management cancelled Holder’s schedule scan on the hamstring yesterday as they thought it was not necessary and physiotherapist CJ Clarke would continue to work on the injury today and a decision will be made tomorrow morning on his availability.
Holder has had an average series to date, scoring 31 runs from five innings and taking five wickets, but remains a key cog in the side with his all-round ability.
If he is unfit, his absence will be a huge blow to West Indies as they need to beat the Proteas in order to secure their place in Sunday’s final against Australia.
They sit bottom of the three-team standings on eight points, four adrift of the second-placed South Africa. The Aussies are top on 15 points after chasing down 283 on Tuesday to beat West Indies.
www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2016-06-23/hold...tful-do-or-die-clash
