Jason Holder praised Alzarri Joseph after the 22-year old fast bowler helped West Indies to victory in the second Test against England, despite the news of his mother’s death overnight.
Holder was in inspired form for his side on day three in Antigua, as he took four wickets to help bowl England out for just 132. The West Indies were left with just 14 runs to chase in their second innings, and did so in total comfort, a six from John Campbell off the bowling of James Anderson sealing a famous series win.
“To his eternal credit, and in an act that demonstrated supreme mental strength and courage, Joseph not only took part but played a key role in West Indies’ ten-wicket win.”@PatrickNoone08 of @CricViz
on an astonishing display from young Alzarri Joseph.https://t.co/Sqj4bdDhM6— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 2, 2019
The day was marred by the announcement prior to play of the death of Sharon Joseph. Both sides wore black armbands as a mark of respect for the West Indies bowler’s mother.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Holder explained how his side entered the day in an emotional state.
“It’s difficult to describe,” said Holder. “We started the day with a daunting task, trying to push on the lead, and then we got the news about Alzarri’s mum passing away so we all rallied around one another and we wanted to do it for her.”
Historic scenes in Antigua.
The West Indies have sealed the series with a game to spare, winning by ten wickets. What a moment for the home side. #WIvENG | #WIvsENG
SCORECARD ➡️ https://t.co/mvoVZGAUlR pic.twitter.com/FE3sYOXlVn
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 2, 2019
Joseph played a key role in another faltering batting display from England, taking the wickets of Joe Root and Joe Denly, as England finished the second session of the day on 75-4. After the break, it was Kemar Roach who did the bulk of the damage, collecting his second four-wicket haul of the match.
For Holder, the resolve shown by Joseph under such difficult circumstances was more than admirable.
“It was exceptional,” Holder told reporters after play. “It took a lot of heart for [Joseph] to be on the field today, I don’t think a lot of people wouldn’t have been able to, but credit to him.
[breakout id=”0”][/breakout]“I just want to send condolences to his family. I came here two or three years ago and visited his mum. She was not very well then but fought through and for me I felt it personally this morning when I got the news his mum had passed away. To see him in tears this morning was even harder. We got in the huddle and we just wanted to do it for him and his mum and his family as well.”
