The Independent Voice of West Indies Cricket

Brutal beginning for Holder

Sun, Jan 25, '15

by TONY COZIER

Commentary

THROUGHOUT two decades of disputes and decline, the West Indies captaincy has been an unbearable burden, even for its most prominent holders.

Under pressure as the team began its downward slide from its indisputable No.1 position of the 1980s, Richie Richardson stepped aside for a year midway during his tenure.

Brian Lara quit in 2000 “after two years of moderate success and devastating failures” to seek “professional” help. He subsequently returned for two stints that were no less turbulent.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul resigned in 2006 after 14 Tests, declaring that he did not have the full support of his players. Nine years on he remains in the rank and file.

Such instances put into context the unreasonable task of captaincy now placed on Jason Holder at a period as unsettling as any the West Indies have ever endured.