Jason Holder admitted it has been difficult to adapt to a new role in the West Indies Test side, after the captaincy was handed to Kraigg Brathwaite.
Holder opted not to tour Bangladesh in January due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Brathwaite filling in as captain.
Brathwaite subsequently retained the leadership role for the home series against Sri Lanka in March, and the batsman will again be captain for South Africa's tour of the Caribbean.
It was a decision that came as a surprise to Holder – who had been captain since 2015 – though the 29-year-old is now hoping he can use the opportunity to focus more on his own game.
"It was kind of a shock. Yeah, still lost for words in regards to that, but I am not dwelling on it. I don't think it's something I should dwell on, to be fair," Holder told ESPNcricinfo ahead of the first Test of the two-match series, which starts on Thursday.
"Yeah, it's been difficult. I probably may not show it, but it has been difficult.
"For the last five-six years, I've been captaining West Indies, whether that be Test-match cricket or one-day cricket. So now being relieved of both captaincies, it has been a strange transition for me personally."
Holder had some fine individual moments during his captaincy, though in total only managed 11 Test wins, compared to 21 defeats.
"I am just trying to find ways to move on and transition back to just being a regular player. For me now, it's about showing a bit more of my character, and being a lot more… I would say outspoken. I am relatively outspoken, but just expressing myself a little bit more and having fun," he added.
"I feel as though I have been really, really committed to West Indies cricket – I am still committed to West Indies cricket, but more or less for me now it's just about having fun and enjoying however many days I have playing international cricket.
"There is a lot less pressure, a lot less responsibility. It's just about me now personally… I'm 100 per cent a team man. So I'll play my part to help the team and if there are other players who are seeking out advice or guidance, no doubt I'll be here to give them that."
The Proteas, meanwhile, are set to hand a debut to Keegan Petersen, who has drawn the praises of new Test captain Dean Elgar.
"I've been nervous for a while now," said Petersen, who is likely to replace the retired Faf du Plessis.
"It gives me goosebumps thinking about it. I know I will have big boots to fill. Anyone would be nervous. This is what we dream of as kids and eventually when the dream becomes a reality, it gives your system a bit of a shock."
BLACKWOOD CLOSING IN ON MILESTONE
Jermaine Blackwood could well be crucial if the Windies are to pull off a series victory this month, though they do face a South Africa team who have lost their last nine Tests as tourists.
He needs just 55 runs to bring up 2,000 in total in Test cricket, having averaged 37 from his 67 innings so far. Blackwood and the likes of Shai Hope and Kieran Powell – who have earned recalls – will need to be wary, however, with South Africa's bowling strike rate of 52.2 in Tests since 2018 ranking them behind only India (47.8).
Teenager bowler Jayden Seales, meanwhile, will be looking to make an impact on his debut.
TIME FOR RABADA TO CLICK BACK INTO GEAR
Only one pace bowler has taken more wickets than South Africa's Kagiso Rabada (202) in men's Tests since his debut in November 2015 (Stuart Broad – 203).
Rabada averages 23.4 and has a strike rate of 41.7 across 82 innings, but as of late the burden of carrying South Africa's attack appeared to have dragged him down prior to an 18-month COVID-19 enforced lay off for the team.
While questions remain over the rest of South Africa's pace attack, the tourists need Rabada to step up and deliver at his best. A five-for would be a good start – he has not taken one since March 2018 against Australia.
KEY OPTA FACTS
- This will be the first time West Indies play South Africa in a men's Test since January 2015 – the Windies are winless in their last eight Tests against the Proteas (D2 L6).
- South Africa have won all their eight men’s Test series against the West Indies so far, four of which were won away in the Caribbean.
- West Indies have a win and two losses at the Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in men's Tests, the remaining four matches they have played at this venue ended in a draw.
- Quinton de Kock has dropped nine catches since 2019 in Test cricket; the only wicketkeeper to drop more catches during this period is India's Rishabh Pant (12).
- West Indies are unbeaten in their last four Tests (W2 D2); however, they lost their four such matches prior to this run.
Jeremiah Louis set to reunite with brother Mikyle at St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for CPL 2024
Seamer Jeremiah Louis is set to join his younger brother Mikyle at the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots for the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), marking the first time the Louis brothers could potentially play together in the tournament. Jeremiah, 28, has been drafted into the Patriots squad as a replacement for Sherfane Rutherford, who has withdrawn from the competition due to personal reasons.
Jeremiah's inclusion adds depth to the Patriots' bowling attack and brings a wealth of experience to the team. Having played six CPL games between 2016 and 2022, Jeremiah has taken three wickets at an average of 38.66, with an economy rate of 9.66. In addition to his CPL experience, Jeremiah also represented the Patriots in the 6IXTY competition, where he took four wickets in five matches in 2022, although he struggled with an economy rate of 10.68.
Despite his presence in the shorter formats, Jeremiah is best known for his red-ball prowess. Over 57 first-class matches, he has amassed 151 wickets at an impressive average of 25.43. His red-ball form earned him a call-up to the West Indies Test squad for their recent tour of England, though injury unfortunately ruled him out before the tour commenced.
While Mikyle Louis made his CPL and T20 debut this season, the chance to play alongside his older brother will be a special moment for both siblings. The addition of Jeremiah brings another dynamic to the Patriots' squad, as the team looks to build momentum in the CPL 2024 season.
The reunion of the Louis brothers promises to be a highlight of the tournament, with fans eager to see how the siblings combine their talents on the field for the Patriots.
ICC launches ‘Whatever It Takes’ campaign to celebrate players elite mentality ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday launched ‘Whatever It Takes’, a campaign designed to build excitement and anticipation for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for October 3-20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Showcasing the dedication, focus, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the world’s best cricketers, the campaign provides fans a glimpse into the efforts undertaken by players as they prepare to take their place on the world stage.
The ‘Whatever It Takes’ campaign comprises a series of films featuring a trio of world-class cricketers—India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, and India’s Shafali Verma—each renowned for their talent and commitment to the game. Through powerful visuals and inspiring narratives, the campaign captures the essence of their journeys, revealing the sacrifices made, the challenges overcome, and the self-belief that drives them towards greatness.
From gruelling training sessions to intensive competition on the field, ‘Whatever It Takes’ embodies the sacrifices that cricketers make in their pursuit of being crowned world champions. It underscores the understanding that success at the highest level is not merely a product of talent but the result of dedication, perseverance, and an individual’s determination to break boundaries.
ICC General Manager: Marketing and Communications, Claire Furlong, said the campaign adds to what promises to be a spectacular tournament.
“The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is the pinnacle of the T20 format, and we’re looking forward to having the world’s best players on display in Dubai and Sharjah throughout October. The ‘Whatever It Takes’ campaign embodies the spirit and objectives of the ICC’s Women’s Cricket Strategy, which aims to grow the women’s game by improving its visibility, perception, and awareness for cricket fans around the world," said Furlong.
“We are committed to delivering a world-class event that will usher in a new generation of heroes while providing fans with an unforgettable experience on every match day. ‘Whatever It Takes’ is not just about who lifts the trophy at Dubai International Stadium on October 20; it is about the journey, the sacrifices, and the pursuit of greatness. It is about inspiring a new generation of cricketers, dreamers, and achievers," she added.
Phillip takes 2 wickets, makes 41 on debut but Lancashire suffer innings and 63-run loss to Durham in County Championship Division 1
Trinidadian pacer Anderson Phillip took two wickets in his debut for County Championship outfit Lancashire but it wasn’t enough to prevent them from going down by an innings and 63 runs to Durham in their Division 1 encounter from September 9-12 at the Riverside Ground in Chester-Le-Street.
Durham, after winning the toss and electing to field first, restricted Lancashire to 228 all out in 94.3 overs.
Matty Hurst led the way with 90 while Josh Bohannon made 49 against 5-44 off 25 overs from medium pacer Ben Raine and 3-58 off 26 overs from Matthew Potts, who recently represented England in their Test series against Sri Lanka.
Durham then put themselves in a dominant position with the bat, putting the Lancashire bowlers to the sword on the way to a mammoth 573-9 in 135.3 overs before declaring with a lead of 345 runs.
South Africa Test batsman David Bedingham led the way with a career best first class score of 279 off 359 balls including 27 fours and a six.
Netherlands all-rounder Colin Ackerman provided excellent support for Bedingham with 186 off 312 balls including 17 fours.
Spinner Luke Wells took 4-69 off 13.3 overs while Phillip took 2-101 off his 21 overs.
A career best spell from Matthew Potts then steered Durham to an innings win.
The medium pacer ran through the Lancashire batting on the way to figures of 9-68 from his 24.2 overs.
Similar to the first innings, Matty Hurst and Josh Bohannon led the way with the bat for Lancashire with 67 and 56, respectively.
Anderson Phillip showed fight with a 68-ball 41 batting at number 10.
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