Dave Cameron, the President of Cricket West Indies (CWI), has lambasted the ICC’s decision to suspend Jason Holder for the final Test of the three-match series against England, after the West Indies captain was punished for his side’s slow over-rate during their second Test win in Antigua.
In a statement released by CWI, Cameron stated his disappointment with the decision, and called for a review into the existing over-rate policy, saying: “We will, of course, abide by the ICC ruling, but we have to wonder if such punitive action at a pivotal stage of the series is good for cricket.
West Indies captain Jason Holder has been suspended from the third #WIvENG Test due to a slow over rate in his side’s victory in Antigua.https://t.co/3xzdH74Xwv
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 3, 2019
“What a shame if the series is remembered not for the sparkling play of the reinvigorated West Indies players but for a crippling decision made by a rule that ought to be modified.”
Despite leading his side to a victory within three days, Holder’s team were ruled to be two overs short of their targeted over-rate. As Holder had previously been deemed guilty of an over-rate violation in the Barbados Test against Sri Lanka last June, per ICC regulations, a second offence within a 12-month period merited a one-match suspension.
The decision has come under criticism from other quarters as well, with Holder having been in inspired form of late. The first Test saw him score an unbeaten double-century from No.8 in the batting order, while he collected five wickets in his side’s series-sealing win in the second Test.
[breakout id=”0″][/breakout]Kraigg Brathwaite is set to lead West Indies in Holder’s absence when the third Test gets underway in St Lucia on Saturday, while all-rounder Keemo Paul has been added to the Test squad.
