Prime ministers line up for audience with Holder

THE scale of West Indies’ victory over England in the first Test and growing optimism in the Caribbean that the sleeping giant is finally stirring was epitomised this week when captain Jason Holder had an ‘audience’ with three of the region’s prime ministers. Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent, Dr Keith Mitchell of Grenada and Mia Mottley of Holder’s home island of Barbados joined the impressive West Indies captain on the Mason and Guest radio show yesterday. ‘It was great to be on with them and to see they are 100 per cent behind us and are paying such close attention to it,’ said Holder. ‘I was amazed and blown away. The support we’ve got, not just from the prime ministers but the people of the Caribbean, has been tremendous.’ Opening batsman John Campbell has recovered from the injury he suffered when Jofra Archer struck him on the big toe in Southampton and looks certain to play today. ‘There’s still a little bit of soreness but I’m sure he will be fine,’ said Holder. That means West Indies are likely to be unchanged on the Emirates Old Trafford ground that was their home for nearly three weeks before they ventured to the south coast for the first Test. The bad weather in Manchester over the past two weeks means, sadly, there will probably be no room for the hulking figure of Rahkeem Cornwall, the off-spinner who was brought here with a view to playing at Old Trafford. Holder is refusing for now to think about the prospect of becoming the first West Indies captain to win a series in England since 1988. Even a draw in either Test would see them retain the Wisden Trophy. ‘I haven’t talked to the guys about history,’ he said. ‘The series is still on the line.’