After Michael Holding’s sensational performances in England in 1976, he was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year. In the 1977 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, Tony Cozier wrote this revealing profile on the bowler – who would go on to become a legend of the game.
Read more features from the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack
Previous Almanack feature: Trevor Bailey: England’s defensively determined hero of 1953
One of the most enduring memories of the 1976 cricket season in England – for the spectators if not for opposing batsmen – was the graceful, rhythmic action of the West Indian fast bowler, Michael Holding. The speed which he generated from his deceptive approach to the stumps was, on occasions, frightening and, in association with Roberts, Daniel and Holder, proved a decisive factor in the West Indies’ resounding triumph.
It was a series filled with several outstanding individual feats, but none could quite compare with Holding’s in the final Test at The Oval. On a depressingly lifeless pitch, the other fast bowlers of both teams could only take five wickets between them at a cost of 477 runs. Yet the conditions seemed to act as a catalyst which lifted Holding to an extraordinary performance.
In fact, those meeting him for the first time find it difficult to reconcile the quiet mild-mannered individual they confront off the field with the fiercely competitive sportsman they see on it. His much-publicised display during the Sydney Test of the series against Australia when he wept publicly after having a caught behind dismissal refused by the umpire was indicative of his will to succeed, not of any weakness in character. His hostile bowling against India in the Kingston Test of that series when several batsmen were injured was influenced by the same spirit, not malicious intent.
Eminent fast bowlers throughout history have been in great demand and, in this age of jet travel, Holding can ask his price from the clubs of England and Australia, always so anxious to please their members and their sponsors. Already, he has received tempting offers, but he is anxious not to subject himself to the type of labour which could bring a premature end to his career and, so far, he has resisted them.
As a computer programmer with the Jamaican Government, Holding will probably be one of the rare contemporary West Indian cricketers who does not play the game all year round in every part of the globe. Whether that is good news or not for opposing batsmen is debatable. They may confront him less often than they might some other fast bowlers but, when they do, he will be keen and fresh and that, on all evidence to date, is an alarming prospect.
