Cricket News

Big blow for West Indies as Jason Holder set to miss India series due to COVID-19

One of the best all-rounders in the current era, Jason Holder has been infected with Covid-19 and is unlikely to take part in the ongoing three-match ODI series against India. Holder was earlier rested for the Bangladesh Tests, ODIs, and T20Is and head coach Phil Simmons was quite happy to welcome him back for the series against India.

The 30-year-old’s absence will be a huge miss, considering his experience and his skillset. The former captain can bat in the top six and can bowl in different phases of the game. He is also one of the safest fielders considering his height and he would have made a huge difference to the inexperienced West Indies side at the moment.

West Indies’ new captain Nicholas Pooran, during the toss in the first ODI, confirmed that Holder has contracted with Covid-19 and mentioned that the team remains the same from the last assignment against Bangladesh.

” It’s pretty much the same guys who played in the series against Bangladesh,” Nicholas Pooran said at the toss during the first ODI.

Speaking of the game, India posted 308/7 in their allotted 50 overs after being asked to bat first. However, the Indian bowlers held their nerves towards the back end and helped India secure a victory in the first ODI by 3 runs. The second ODI is scheduled to take place on the 24th of July at the same venue of Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain. 

India take series lead on the back of 1st ODI Thriller

Meanwhile, the first ODI between West Indies and India went right down to the wire. Chasing 309 to win, West Indies fell short by just three runs despite the assault in the death overs from Akeal Hossein 32* and Romario Shepherd 39*. Earlier, Shikar Dhawan stole the show with a 97-run knock at the top of the order, while Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer scored half-centuries.

Despite the good start, the middle order crumbled for India as India posted 308/7 in their allotted 50 overs. However, the Indian bowlers held their nerves towards the back end and helped India secure a victory in the first ODI. The second ODI is scheduled to take place on the 24th of July at the same venue of Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.