Sir Hilary believes Holder generation at the heart of Windies revival

Mon, Jun 4, '18

Distinguished academic and cricket historian, Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, believes the “tide is turning” in West Indies cricket, and contends the excellence of the “Jason Holder generation” could lead to a revival of the former World champions.

Speaking during a public lecture series here titled Fire in Babylon: Cricket as Popular Culture, Sir Hilary pointed out that a new consciousness existed in the young generation of current Windies cricketers and as a result, they were now attempting to reconnect with previous high standards of excellence.

He also argued that the development of Caribbean society and West Indies success were intertwined and once societal issues in the region were addressed, he could foresee the emergence of a strong Windies side “in seven to eight years.”

“I believe we are now seeing our way out of this. I believe that the tide is turning. I don’t think it is empty optimism. I believe the tide is turning,” said Sir Hilary, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies and former principal of UWI Cave Hill Campus.

“I believe that the current generation of young cricketers who are coming up—I call them the Jason Holder generation. I believe they are seeing the society differently.

“I’ve spoken to them, most of them are UWI students anyway. They come to the University, they are working class boys and we speak to them. All the young cricketers—Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite—these young men who are ready and willing to fight for us.”