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HEADLINE: Roberts brands decision to omit Holder from final WC 15 'embarrassing'
CaribbeanCricket.com
2021-09-17 12:53:08
Legendary fast bowler WI Andy Roberts is convinced the Cricket West Indies panel of selectors made a grave error by omitting all-rounder Jason Holder from the final 15-man World Cup squad.
Despite being better known for his exploits in the red-ball format, Holder’s exclusion from the first-team squad and selection as a reserve for the tournament caused shock and dismay across the Caribbean following the announcement of the final squad next week.
In international T20 cricket to date, Holder has managed 27 matches with an average of 16.75 in 18 innings, added to that he has claimed 22 wickets. In the Indian Premier League last season, however, he put on several strong performances during his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad and also had a strong showing against Sri Lanka in the series of practice games but struggled against Pakistan. Holder also struggled to make an impact in the CPL.
“I was shocked because he is the best cricketer we have in the region, bar none,” Roberts told the Mason and Guest radio show.
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Onionman0
2021-09-17 13:13:47
In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com
Selection for 2021 World Cup is simply fulfilment of promises by the Politician.... selection for vote.... Jamaica vote matters...Giving Grand farewell to Grand dads of T-20... 
Sylobaby
2021-09-17 14:44:22
Sir Andy Robert gave his all to West Indies cricket and therefore I feel out of place to disagree with him. However we have three main all-rounders in Russell, Pollard and Dwayne Bravo. All three of them confirmed their selection during the CPL. Holder on the other hand, though we all know of his ability with both bat and ball, in my opinion he failed to make a real impression. For example, at the beginning of the CPL Chase was not in my squad. However, he picked himself with both bat and ball. So we have to blame Holder for not going hard enough. I feel Smith, Drakes and Shepherd made a much stronger push and it's unfortunate that they are not on the WC reserve
Sylobaby
2021-09-17 14:59:05
In reply to Sylobaby
While Darren Bravo did not do enough to be in the15, but I can understand his selection since he is the only left hand batsman that can cover for Hetmyer or Pooran and his ability to play spin, where we will be seeing a lot of spin. Besides, he is a competent back up wicket keeper and Fletcher who is the backup to Pooran can't bat spin.
Rampaul was the best bowler in the CPL so his selection is justifiable. He picked himself ahead of Fedel.
In my opinion Walsh junior didn't do enough but again being a leg spinner that can win a game for you and brilliant fielder his selection is justifiable.
Although McCoy's health is questionable but if healthy he and Dwayne Bravo are known to be good death bowlers. So it's ok to criticize selectors but we have to be able to come with justifiable reasons. Holder is on the reserve and should something happen to either Russell, Bravo or Pollard Holder will be right there.
InHindsight
2021-09-17 15:02:30
I totally and absolutely agree with Sir Andy.
The selection of this squad was bewildering
bolls
2021-09-17 15:04:13
Logic
2021-09-17 15:54:09
In reply to Sylobaby
and his ability to play spin, where we will be seeing a lot of spin. Besides, he is a competent back up wicket keeper
Lol. That is some desperate defending right there. First I would question Bravo's ability against spin other than left arm orthodox and even against that bowling he is poor at rotating the strike ....it's usually 6, dot ball our out. But back up keeper? Seriously?
Yadi
2021-09-17 16:31:25
In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com
I strongly agree ...
Holder for Thomas 365 days of the year.
bobby
2021-09-17 16:51:09
In reply to Yadi
I agree but in the face of the insularity in the Caribbean, it is impressive that an Antiguan is standing up so passionately for a Bajan. Thumbs up Sir Andy.
Dukes
2021-09-17 16:54:59
In reply to Sylobaby
While Darren Bravo did not do enough to be in the15, but I can understand his selection since he is the only left hand batsman that can cover for Hetmyer or Pooran
When I last checked,Rutherford is also a left-handed batsman.
Dukes
2021-09-17 16:57:08
In reply to InHindsight
What you guys do, is focus on Jason being the number 1 All-Rounder in the world and completely ignore his T 20 performances not only in the CPL but overall.
Jumpstart
2021-09-17 18:35:03
In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com
I’d pick him as one of the first choices for the World Cup, what is he doing in the reserves. It embarrassing for us to see how we could treat our best cricketer. Jason Holder is our best cricketer
Andy really? This is not the same dude who as chief selector in 2007 during the CWC, started a very public fight with 'our best player', a certain Brian Lara which eventually led to lara's retirement..........the Caribbean is really the twilight zone
Sylobaby
2021-09-17 22:17:55
Sylobaby
2021-09-17 22:18:30
Norm
2021-09-18 01:02:18
In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com
Harper did not think it was embarrassing. He thought it was tough, but he did it nevertheless!
b4u8me2
2021-09-18 06:27:40
I think people criticize without thinking of the composition of a squad. Think for example if there were 11 Brian Lara's in their prime - could a team pick all 11 Laras? Who would then open the batting, bowl and wicket-keep? The fact is that Jason Holder is a medium pace all-rounder. He was never competing for a place in the squad against Gayle, Fletcher, DM Bravo or Oshane Thomas - so even is those players were not selected it does not mean that Holder would have been selected. He is competing against other medium pace all-rounders, that is Pollard, Russell, DJ Bravo and Romario Shephard. Unless Roberts is saying that Holder makes the 15 man squad above Pollard, Russell and DJ Bravo, then what is his point? The squad has to have balance. No one is saying Jason Holder is not a good cricketer but the fact is that when you look at the composition of the squad which is made up of specialist opening batsmen, middle order batsmen both right and left handed, all rounders, spinners and fast bowlers - Jason Holder was competing for a spot as an all-rounder and frankly, all the all rounders selected in the 15 man squad deserve a spot above Holder.
DIEHARD
2021-09-18 18:03:41
In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com
I find Roberts opinion on this embarrassing.
Holder is surplus to requirements in T20s, as much improved as he is recently.
I admit Oshanes inclusion may be a shocker, but Odean and Shepherd have better claims to that spot than Holder.
Holder is number one pick for the Test XI, there and there abouts for the ODI team, but T20s...we have enough names to relegate Holder to the spot he currently occupies
InHindsight
2021-09-18 19:30:52
In reply to Dukes
Duksie you being very presumptuous my friend.
Bring 1 is an addendum. I have stats to show but as I will recall recently he performed creditably in leagues where he played barring last CPL and recent home series
Norm
2021-09-18 19:53:41
What the Holder critics seem to forget conveniently is that Holder understands what it takes to achieve the highest levels of success and has proven that he is willing to, and capable of, putting in the hard work necessary to achieve that success.
If you want to build a winning team then populate it with winners. If you want it to work hard then populate it with people who have shown that they know about working hard.
Wally-1
2021-09-20 12:48:35
In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com
I agree 1000% Andy, Oshane/Rampaul cannot be better picks. Embarrassing indeed, Holder is arguably amongst the top 3 batsmen in the WI and the number one all-rounder in the world.
Dukes
2021-09-23 14:47:14
Walco
2021-09-23 15:33:30
In reply to Dukes
Are you suggesting that the list you linked should be used to pick the allrounders in the WI T20 WC squad? 
Seriously though, I was shocked that only Allen is ranked in the top 20, and by the number of players on that list from UAE, Ireland, Scotland, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Papua New Guinea.
Dukes
2021-09-23 16:55:55
Walco
2021-09-23 17:38:41
In reply to Dukes
I beg your pardon, but Big Bravo and McCoy will be the main bowlers in the WI Friends & Family T20 WC squad, supported by ...
DIEHARD
2021-09-23 18:14:59
In reply to Norm
The losingest captain in the history of ODI cricket is a winner?? 
Dukes
2021-09-23 18:22:53
In reply to Walco
My impression.
Power Play 1-6 = Rampaul,McCoy and Allen
Middle Overs =7-16 =Rampaul,Allen, Russell,Pollard,Chase,Bravo
Death 17-20 = Bravo,McCoy
Jumpstart
2021-09-23 20:07:51
