Holder praises bowling clinics

Captain Jason Holder believes that the Windies' recent fast bowling training camp, prior to the start of their home series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, has resulted in that area of the team improving.

The training camp, which was held at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, saw a number young and emerging fast bowlers assembling under the tutelage of several members of the Windies coaching staff.

This contingent of players included Windies and Windies 'A' representatives Raymon Reifer, Keon Joseph, Odean Smith and Oshane Thomas, and Keemo Paul, who is on debut in the on-going second Test against Bangladesh at Sabina Park.

"We had a fast bowling clinic for some young fast bowlers and promising fast bowlers, who we feel could replace any of our senior fast bowlers, and it seems to be reaping the benefits," said Holder.

"Hopefully, things like these can continue in the not too distant future, where we can continue to put things in place to develop our talent in the Caribbean," he added.

Holder, who himself has been the beneficiary of training camps in the past, has also offered praise to pitch curators around the Caribbean in recent times.

According to the speedster, these groundsmen are more understanding of what it takes to prepare surfaces quicker, which he said can only assist in helping fast bowling in the region improve.

''In terms of the wickets, we are seeing a bit more grass cover on the wickets, which is sometimes encouraging for the faster bowlers,'' Holder commented.

''But in terms of the consistency and carry, I think we still need to improve a little bit more there. But, overall, we are improving in terms of the wickets that we are producing."