3rd Test: West Indies v India at Gros Islet

[quote author=TRINIDADDY link=topic=105714.msg708749#msg708749 date=1470873200]


You can't measure Holder to other bowlers though. You need to measure him to Kallis.

After 16 matches, Holder has more runs and wickets than Kallis had at the same point in his career. Kallis then moved from batting at 7 to bat at 3...and the rest is history.

Of course Kallis started at about 21 years old and averaged 50 with the bat domestically.

Holder is 24 and has no real reputation as a batsman.

But that's how you make a containment bowler like Holder (Kallis' test strike rate with the ball is 70, compared to Holder's 100) earn his keep. You make him shoulder the weight of batting, or you kick him off the team.
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I believe that Holder has value as a fourth seamer, a bowler that can dry an end up and put pressure on the batsman with a nagging line while one of the quicks bowls at the other end. Provided he can contribute with the bat.

The trouble is, prior to this Test Holder has been used as either an opening bowler or as first change. Holder certainly adds value if he can average 35+ with the bat and be a containment bowler.

Would Holder be worth his place in the side if he finishes with a career similar to Lance Klusener?

All things considered, this was a pretty good fightback today - with both bat and ball. India add just 109 more runs and West Indies reach 107/1 at close of play. Johnson and Brathwaite laid a solid foundation - something that has been missing for some time now. Just a shame about the suicidal run out.

heavy rain overnight and this morning.

The rain has stopped now, but it is still heavily overcast in St Lucia

Will be no play before lunch Next inspection at 2pm

Persistent rain washes out first session of play at St Lucia. It is still raining and chances of any play on day 3 looks bleak

rain is saving windies again

Third day washed out without a ball being bowled

Good ....that would keep us in the series

On to QPO and India stronghold