Cricket

Jason Holder, the former West Indies captain, has hailed England's third white-ball tour of the Caribbean in as many years as a "massive boost" to the survival of his team as an international force. Holder believes that the tour is a way for England to repay the debt they owe to the West Indies for helping to save the finances of English cricket during the Covid-19 pandemic.In 2020, the West Indies squad led by Holder played three Tests behind closed doors in Manchester and Southampton at the height of the Covid outbreak. This tour helped to mitigate the ECB's losses during the pandemic, which could have been upwards of £380 million had their entire summer schedule been cancelled.Holder believes that England have been fulfilling their side of the bargain by touring the Caribbean so frequently. "It's a fair way of putting it," Holder told ESPNcricinfo. "We've obviously had the English coming over for the last three years consecutively. And that has definitely boosted, not only our economy within the Caribbean, but it adds a massive boost to our survival in international cricket."Despite the financial disparities between the two boards, the Caribbean has been a particularly tough destination for England teams in recent years. The Test team hasn't won a series in the region since 2004, while the white-ball squads have lost each of the last three series: 3-2 in the T20Is in both 2022 and 2023, and 2-1 in their last ODI campaign in December last year.Holder is looking forward to the contest, which he believes will be keenly contested as both teams are in a transitionary phase. "England have obviously got a point to prove, and they'll be trying a few different combinations to see what works. And likewise, with West Indies, we've got a lot of youngsters within our cohort, and it is important for them to just gain experience, gain confidence and gain knowledge. I think these series will go a long way to developing our base at a rapid rate."One of the most exciting young players in the West Indies squad is 17-year-old Jewel Andrew, who made his ODI debut in their most recent match against Sri Lanka. Holder believes that Andrew has a bright future ahead of him. "He definitely stood up. He looks a very easy-going player. He's got time, and any top-order batter who shows signs of having time is promising."Holder himself hasn't been involved in West Indies' white-ball set-up since pulling out of their T20 World Cup plans through injury in June. He will instead be a studio pundit for TNT in the UK throughout the eight-match tour.Looking back on the T20 World Cup, in which England's Super Eights victory in St Lucia proved critical to West Indies' hopes of reaching the last four, Holder acknowledged it had been a missed opportunity for a strong squad to do something special in front of their home fans. But, with players such as Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer set to face England in the coming campaign, he's confident there will be other chances for this team to compete for global trophies in the coming years.

West Indies have recalled Shimron Hetmyer to their ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against England, starting in Antigua on Thursday. Hetmyer replaces Alick Athanaze in the squad, marking the only change from the group that recently toured Sri Lanka.Hetmyer's return to the ODI setup comes after a brief absence. He last featured in the format in December 2023, playing a key role in West Indies' 2-1 series victory over England. However, he missed the Sri Lanka tour due to personal reasons.Despite his absence, Hetmyer has maintained his form in domestic cricket. He recently finished fifth on the run-scorers' list at the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). His inclusion in the squad is expected to bolster West Indies' batting lineup.Alick Athanaze, who had been one of the incumbent openers, has lost his spot to Evin Lewis. Lewis, making his first ODI appearance in over three years, impressed with an unbeaten 102 from 61 balls in the third ODI against Sri Lanka.Shai Hope will continue to lead the West Indies team, which also includes 17-year-old batting prodigy Jewel Andrew. Andrew made his ODI debut at the end of the Sri Lanka series and will be looking to make an impact against England.England, led by Liam Livingstone, have already arrived in the Caribbean for their third limited-overs tour since 2022. Jos Buttler, who has been out with a calf injury since July, is still recovering and will not be available for the ODI series."Playing against England always provides a new challenge and reignites a rivalry that the players and the people of the Caribbean are eager for," said Daren Sammy, West Indies head coach. "We West Indies always find a way to raise our game when we face England."The first two ODIs will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, followed by the third ODI in Barbados. The series will then be followed by five T20Is, played at the Kensington Oval and the Daren Sammy National Stadium in St Lucia.

Sri Lanka's dominance continued as they secured a resounding five-wicket victory in the rain-affected first ODI against the West Indies in Pallekele. Captain Charith Asalanka and debutant Nishan Madushka played pivotal roles with impressive half-centuries.Chasing a revised target of 232 in 37 overs, Sri Lanka faced an early setback, losing three wickets for 45 runs. However, Asalanka's arrival at the crease sparked a remarkable turnaround. He forged a formidable partnership with Madushka, amassing 137 runs for the fourth wicket at a rapid pace.Both Asalanka and Madushka reached their half-centuries in just 44 balls, showcasing their exceptional batting prowess. Madushka, who has previously played 10 Test matches, seized the opportunity to replace injured opener Pathum Nissanka, the leading run-scorer in ODIs in 2024."I am glad that he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands," Asalanka said. "It is good to have healthy competition in the side."The West Indies had posted a respectable 183 for four in 38.3 overs before rain interrupted their innings. However, their spinners struggled to grip the wet ball, giving Sri Lanka an advantage."We were really tested by the conditions," West Indies skipper Shai Hope said. "Particularly for the spinners, the wet ball was quite challenging."Gudakesh Motie eventually broke the Asalanka-Madushka partnership, with Brandon King taking a sharp catch at slip. But by then, Sri Lanka had gained a significant advantage.Madushka departed for 69 off 54 balls, while Asalanka fell for a brilliant 77 off 71 balls, both victims of Motie's bowling. Despite Motie's three wickets, the challenging conditions hindered his impact.Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage guided Sri Lanka to victory with ease.Earlier, the West Indies faced challenges against Sri Lanka's spinners. However, Sherfane Rutherford's career-best 74 not out, supported by Roston Chase, helped the visitors recover with an unbroken 85-run partnership for the fifth wicket.Sri Lanka's victory gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. They had previously come from behind to win the T20 series 2-1, marking their first series win over the West Indies in the shortest format.

Sri Lanka's ODI squad for the upcoming series against West Indies has undergone significant changes, with uncapped allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe and legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay earning call-ups. Wickramasinghe replaces Chamika Karunaratne, who has fallen out of favor with the new selection and coaching regime. Vandersay comes in for offspinner Akila Dananjaya.Wickramasinghe's inclusion is a testament to his impressive performances in the Lanka Premier League, where he showcased his batting prowess. He made his T20I debut against West Indies but was later replaced by Dunith Wellalage due to spin-friendly conditions.Mohamed Shiraz, who was a late addition to the squad for the India series, retains his place, while Dilshan Madushanka returns after missing the T20I series against West Indies. However, Matheesha Pathirana, who played all three T20Is against West Indies, has been omitted. Asitha Fernando completes the pace options.The spin attack will be led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, with Vandersay and Wellalage providing support. Sri Lanka's batting lineup remains unchanged, with skipper Charith Asalanka leading a formidable unit that includes Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Nishan Madushka.The three-match series will commence on October 20, with all games scheduled to be played in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka Unleashes Batting Fury in Dambulla T20ISri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka set the Dambulla International Stadium ablaze with an extraordinary display of strokeplay in the second T20I against the West Indies on Tuesday. The left-handed opener's blistering knock in the fourth over of the innings left the crowd in awe and sent shockwaves through the opposition.Nissanka's onslaught began with a stroke of luck. He mistimed a heave off Shamar Joseph's first delivery, but the ball deflected off his pads and rolled to the boundary for four leg byes. This fortunate start seemed to ignite a fire within Nissanka, who proceeded to unleash a barrage of boundaries.On the next ball, Nissanka danced down the track and lofted a 138kmph length ball elegantly over extra cover. The following delivery was pulled with brute force over backward square leg, leaving the fielder stranded. Three boundaries were now on the trot, and Nissanka wasn't done yet.The very next ball was drilled straight down the ground through wide mid-off, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers. With Joseph visibly shaken, Nissanka took full advantage. The over culminated in style as Nissanka waited on a slower back-of-length ball, dissecting the gap between backward point and short third with pinpoint precision.Six boundaries (including one leg bye) had come off the over, tallying a massive 25 runs! This blitzkrieg propelled Sri Lanka to an aggressive start, with Nissanka finishing his innings on 54 off 49 balls.Nissanka's batting masterclass in the fourth over was a testament to his exceptional talent and fearless approach. It not only set the tone for Sri Lanka's innings but also left an unforgettable mark on the match.

West Indies' T20I and ODI squads for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka have undergone significant changes, with several key players opting out and promising youngsters earning call-ups.In the T20I squad, Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Akeal Hosein have all withdrawn for personal reasons. Opening batter Evin Lewis, who last played a T20I during the 2022 World Cup, makes a welcome return. Brandon King also returns after recovering from injury.To fill the void left by Russell, West Indies have called up Trinbago Knight Riders teammate Terrance Hinds and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons' Shamar Springer. Both all-rounders impressed in the recent CPL season.Rovman Powell will continue to lead the T20I side, with Roston Chase as his deputy. Johnson Charles, who had a strong CPL campaign, missed the cut, while Andre Fletcher will serve as the reserve opener.In the ODI squad, 17-year-old Jewel Andrew has earned a surprise call-up. He could become the youngest West Indian to debut in ODI cricket. Andrew has shown promise in his limited appearances so far.Shai Hope will continue to captain the ODI team, with Alzarri Joseph as his deputy. Matthew Forde, who missed out on the T20I squad, has been included.The ODI squad also features two specialist spinners in Hayden Walsh Jr. and Gudakesh Motie. Batters Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty retain their spots.West Indies' white-ball tour of Sri Lanka will begin on October 13 and will run until October 26.

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots have bolstered their bowling attack for the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) by signing seamer Jeremiah Louis. Louis, 28, joins his younger brother Mikyle in the Patriots squad, marking the first time the brothers will play together in the CPL.Jeremiah Louis has played six CPL games between 2016 and 2022, taking three wickets at an average of 38.66 and an economy rate of 9.66. He has also represented Patriots in the 6IXTY competition, where he took four wickets in five games at an economy rate of 10.68 in 2022.Louis is better known for his red-ball skills, having taken 151 wickets in 57 first-class games at an average of 25.43. He was recently called into West Indies' Test squad for their tour of England before he was ruled out with injury.Mikyle Louis has emerged as a promising local batter in his maiden CPL stint, scoring 187 runs in five innings at an average of 37.40 and strike rate of 155.83. Only his Patriots seniors Evin Lewis (191) and Kyle Mayers (204) have scored more runs than Mikyle so far this season.Speaking to ESPNcricinfo last month, Mikyle said Jeremiah is not just a brother but also a mentor and a good friend. "He influenced me in many ways," Mikyle said of Jeremiah. "While I was in my stagnant phase, he was playing for Leeward Islands or West Indies A or President's XI games. He would come back and have a conversation, saying, 'Yo, I bowled to this batsman in the nets. You are not far off, you continue working. Trust me, bro, based on skill you have time to grow.' Those conversations would give me hope and the self-belief that, okay, I'm good enough."Jeremiah's addition bolsters the local pace attack, which has been struggling through this season. Dominic Drakes, Odean, Smith, Ryan John, and Johann Layne have all conceded over 12 an over.Patriots are currently rooted to the bottom of the CPL 2024 points table with just a solitary win in seven games. They had also finished last in CPL 2023 and overall have managed just two wins across the past two seasons.

Michael Holding, the legendary West Indian fast bowler, earned the iconic nickname "Whispering Death" during his playing days. This moniker perfectly encapsulated his unique bowling style, which combined blistering pace with an almost silent approach to the crease.Holding's run-up was a thing of beauty, smooth, rhythmic, and almost inaudible. As he glided across the pitch, his rapid approach often caught umpires and batsmen off guard. Umpires, including the renowned Dickie Bird, frequently remarked that they couldn't hear Holding's footsteps as he charged in to bowl.This silent approach, combined with the sheer speed and accuracy of his deliveries, made Holding a formidable force on the field. His most famous spell came during a Test match against England in 1976 at The Oval, where he produced a devastating performance, taking 14 wickets, including a breathtaking sequence of fast-bowling mastery.Holding's natural athleticism and ability to generate ferocious pace from a seemingly relaxed run-up made him a unique and dangerous force. He was a key member of the legendary West Indian pace attack, which wreaked havoc on cricketing teams worldwide during the 1970s and 1980s.Off the field, Holding was the complete opposite of the terror he unleashed with the ball. Known for his calm and composed demeanor, he later transitioned into a respected cricket commentator, where his deep knowledge of the game and measured commentary earned him praise across the world.The legend of "Whispering Death" remains a powerful symbol of Holding's legacy — a bowler whose grace and ferocity came together to make him one of cricket's all-time greats. His unique bowling style and exceptional performances continue to inspire and awe cricket fans around the world.

Durham County Cricket Club has bolstered its bowling attack by signing West Indian fast bowler Chemar Holder for the remaining three matches of the County Championship season. Holder, who has represented his country in both Test and ODI formats, will join the team for the upcoming round of fixtures, starting with the home game against Lancashire at Chester-le-Street on Monday.The 26-year-old replaces New Zealand left-armer Neil Wagner, whose loan spell was cut short due to injury. Durham's director of cricket, Marcus North, expressed his delight at securing Holder's services for the crucial final stages of the season."We are thrilled to welcome Chemar to Durham," North said. "He is a highly talented and experienced fast bowler who will bring a unique dimension to our bowling unit. With several international call-ups and injuries, it was imperative to add another seamer to our squad, and we are fortunate to have acquired a player of Holder's caliber."Holder made his Test debut for the West Indies in 2020, showcasing his impressive pace and accuracy in the domestic first-class circuit. He has also represented Warwickshire in the County Championship, demonstrating his adaptability to English conditions.After undergoing shoulder surgery in 2021, Holder spent over a year on the sidelines. However, he was recently awarded a franchise contract by Cricket West Indies, indicating the high regard in which he is held by the national selectors."I am excited to join Durham and experience county cricket once again," Holder said. "I am committed to giving my all on the field and contributing to the team's success. I am eager to get started and make a positive impact for Durham."Durham currently sits seventh in Division One of the County Championship, 24 points ahead of second-bottom Lancashire. Holder's addition to the squad is expected to provide a significant boost to their hopes of securing a strong finish to the season.