North Sound (Antigua), April 18 (IANS) West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder, named Player of the Match for his stupendous second innings maiden unbeaten century, said his plan was just to stick it out in the middle and wear out the England bolwers.
Chasing a stiff target of 438 runs on the final day of the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, the hosts were struggling at 189/6, staring at defeat when Holder came out to bat here on Friday, reports CMC.
The 23-year-old struck two important partnerships with captain Denesh Ramdin and Kemar Roach to not just save the Test but also score his maiden century in only his fourth Test.
“My job was simple, it was just to bat. At the beginning of the day, it was a daunting total to try and chase 400-odd runs so it was just for me to go and try to have a knock,” said the 23-year-old.
“It was great to see I got the support from the other guys and I thought Denesh Ramdin really put on a good partnership with me and in the end we got home.”
The Barbadian took 149 deliveries to score 108 not out which included 15 boundaries.
“We didn’t have a good morning but there’s a word we have been using in the dressing room and that’s belief. We had the belief today,” added Holder.
“I just wanted to occupy the crease and spend some time, just wear down the English bowlers. Obviously they bowled a few overs in the first innings so it was just to tire them out as much as possible and just be there at the end.”
The second Test starts on April 21 at the National Cricket Stadium, St. George’s, Grenada.