Consistency is something that has really plagued us - Holder
Jason Holder wants more consistency from his batsmen © Getty
After missing his side's last Test series in Bangladesh, West Indies captain Jason Holder has returned from injury for the three-match series against England wanting more consistency from his batsmen.
West Indies' bowling attack of Holder, Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach is experienced and proven, but the batting, while not short of talent, is far less reliable. Only one of the top six - Darren Bravo - averages more than 40 in Test cricket and while the likes of Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmeyer have played eye-catching innings at different stages of their Test careers, consistent, big scores have so far eluded them.
"Our consistency is something that has really plagued us in the past," Holder admitted ahead of the first Test at Kenisington Oval on Wednesday (January 23). "Particularly with our batting. Our batting has probably let us down on a few occasions. I just think we need to start the series well by putting some runs on the board in the first innings and making an early statement.
"England obviously have a quality bowling attack, but we've seen glimpses of what we can do against this attack. We obviously had a really good time at Headingley and fought back well in that series. And then last time in the Caribbean we did really well to fight back here in Barbados.
"We definitely know we can perform against this attack. It's just a case of being consistent and sticking to our game plans for long periods."
The victory at Headingley, on West Indies' tour to England in 2017, is the yardstick for what this team is capable of. Hope's twin hundreds contributed to one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent Test history with the West Indies having been thumped inside three days in the previous match at Edgbaston. Unfortunately, that victory has not been a catalyst, as many hoped it might, for West Indies to improve.
The home team do, however, have a bowling attack which should trouble England during this series. Holder averaged 12 with the ball in Test cricket last year while Gabriel, genuinely quick on his day, averaged less than 20 in the same period. Roach is now tenth in the all-time list of West Indies Test wicket-takers which is not bad company to be in given the illustrious names above him.
If the home side are to beat England in this series, these three-fast bowlers will have to lead the way.
"What you've seen of this attack in the last couple of series is consistency," Holder said. "We've done a hell of a job of trying to take 20 wickets more often than not. We have some seasoned campaigners in Roach and Gabriel who have led the bowling attack nicely and I hope we can continue in that direction."
