With Tuesday’s game set to be Andre Russell’s final international appearance for the West Indies, fellow all-rounder Jason Holder is hopeful that the regional side can rise to the occasion and deliver a performance worthy of a send-off.
Russell, the 37-year-old Jamaican powerhouse, will bow out on home soil at Sabina Park, where the first ball in the second T20I against Australia is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The Caribbean side, which trails 1-0 in the five-match series after a narrow three-wicket defeat on Sunday, is determined to even the score and honour the veteran’s farewell.
"Yeah, it would be great to send him off on a high, and it would be great to send him off on a winning note, which I’m confident that we can definitely do. It’s just one game in the series, four left, and in his final game we just want to go out there and give everything for him,” Holder said.
Holder, who previously captained the West Indies in all formats, remains optimistic despite the loss in the opening game. The hosts struggled to string together meaningful partnerships, particularly at the backend of the innings, which ended at 189-8 as they lost six wickets for 37 runs. They also lacked consistency with the ball, and that allowed Australia to chase down their total at 190-7.
"There was obviously a high boundary count by the Aussies, so maybe if we can limit that, cut a few of the sixes to fours and fours to maybe twos or threes, that adds up in the end. But having said that, I think our execution could be better, and if we execute better, I think that those margins could come down a little bit," Holder noted.
Reflecting on the team’s batting approach, Holder acknowledged a sense of urgency that may have led to hasty shot selection, especially in the middle and lower order.
"I don’t think we could really hit the top order that much, but I think if anything, maybe the lower half could probably spend a few more balls before we start to hit. But I think the situation was one where we believed it was a 200-odd pitch, and guys thought that they had to come in and go hard,” he explained.
Still, the seasoned campaigner believes the West Indies have what it takes to bounce back and ultimately win the series with a collective effort and sharper execution.
"We’ve got confidence that we can turn it around,” Holder declared.