CMC – Former Test captain Jason Holder has been named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year, strengthening an already mushrooming international profile and confirming his status as one of the world’s elite players.
The 29-year-old player was announced late on Wednesday on the prestigious list, joining Englishmen Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley and Darren Stevens, along with Mohammad Rizwan of Pakistan, as the five most influential players identified by an authoritative and highly regarded voice cricket respect.
In making the announcement, Wisden said Holder was “at the helm when West Indies toured England and played a pivotal role in his side’s only victory over England” during last year’s historic three-Test tour at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.
Although his returns from last year’s five Tests were modest, Holder was rewarded for his leading role in the first ever biosecurity Test series against England which marked the resumption of international cricket following lockout due to the virus.
He grabbed six for 42 in the first innings of the opening Test at the Rose Bowl in Southampton to bundle the guests out for a paltry 204, and lay the foundation for the visitors’ four-wicket victory.
Holder, who is currently campaigning in the Indian Premier League for Sunrisers Hyderabad, said he was delighted with the honor especially after the “blood, sweat and tears” he had left on the pitch.
“This award means so much to me. I’m very pleased that my efforts to play well and make a contribution have been bearing fruit and I want to continue and reach heights, ”said the Barbadian.
“Being named one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year is really special because over the years I’ve seen a list of great players who have etched their names in history.”
He added: “Sitting here in 2021 as a recipient of this award means so much to me after the sweat, blood and tears that I would have exported on the cricket pitch.” The incumbent becomes the third West Indies player in the last nine years to nail the award, joining Shai Hope (2018) and teammate Marlon Samuels (2013).
And he said Hope’s capture of the award has been an inspiration. “The last West Indies receiver was Shai Hope in 2017 and having seen his performances inspired me to become one of the Wisden Cricketers of the future.”
Holder, one of the West Indies’ youngest ever Test captains, has risen to become one of the top players in the Caribbean side, and currently sits at the head of the International Cricket Council Test ranks.
He has also been widely praised for his discipline and character, and the dignity with which he led the West Indies, and Cricket India President Ricky Skerritt said Holder has continued to do the region proud.
“Congratulations to Jason whose overall cricketing excellence makes all West Indies proud. For such a young and intelligent athlete, it should get even better, ”said Skerritt.
CWI cricket director Jimmy Adams also praised Holder’s character, especially leading the West Indies during the early pandemic.
“On behalf of all of us in West Indies Cricket, I want to congratulate Jason on being selected as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year,” said Adams, a former Windies captain.
“In a time of many challenges, he has consistently performed with excellence and dignity on and off the field and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Holder was replaced as Test captain by experienced opener Kraigg Brathwaite, ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka last month.
West Indies white ball captain Kieron Pollard was also voted by Wisden as World T20’s Chief Cricketer for his feats in leading the Trinbago Knights to the Caribbean Premier League title and playing a key role in Mumbai Mumbai’s IPL.