Need to step up in absence of Lewis: Windies captain Holder
GUWAHATI: West Indies got a jolt ahead of the one-day series when opener Evin Lewis pulled out. Known for his big hits and quickfire knocks, Lewis has been considered a successor to the dashing Chris Gayle.
His century in the one-off Twenty20 against India in Jamaica last year took Windies to an easy victory. His pullout is one of the many that West Indies have endured over the past few years. No wonder, skipper Jason Holder was upset but feels he needs to step up in the absence of Lewis.
“It is hard to lose a player who has been around and who has had some success in T20 cricket. No doubt it is tough because you set your plans and formulate a composition according to that. So it is a big blow. But again, I have got to do with what I have and lead by example,” said Holder.
West Indies have been facing a crisis with the players and cricket board at loggerheads. It has meant depleted sides for ODIS and Tests.
The visitors will bank on Marlon Samuels, who’ll be playing his 200th ODI. He is one of their top run-getters against India, with over a 1000 runs, and has a vast experience of playing in India. He’ll be the key as Holder and his team look to improve their batting record.
“We have not been able to score consistently in excess of 300 which has been pretty much the par score in India. The conditions here support run feast. That is something our batters need to look at,” said Holder.