Holder eager to take on England in first Test

A training session yesterday appears to have energised the touring West Indies who will bow into action against England tomorrow in the first Test at Lord's.

After watching the regional side perform admirably against Australia earlier this year, former captain Jason Holder made it clear that he has once again been bitten by the Test cricket bug, and he is eagerly anticipating donning his whites and playing his part in a team that has been gelling nicely and playing the brand of cricket that fans have come to admire.

"The guys took a lot from that Test victory in Australia and what we have in the dressing room is some special talent. As a young side, the main thing is just to keep learning and take all the experience and just build on it," Holder said.

Holder's return to form was underscored by a productive stint with Worcestershire in the County Championship, where he found renewed vigour and camaraderie. His preparation included valuable match practice, culminating in an unbeaten century against Kent, setting the stage for his return to international duty with a sense of fulfilment and readiness.

"It was one hell of an experience playing for Worcestershire and the love the boys showed me was second to none. Right now though, it's time for us to break the shackles and come here and beat England which would be a great feat."

The last time the West Indies won a Test series in England was 1988, however, they did manage to win matches in 2020 which was their last visit to Southampton.

The regional side are the holders of the Richards-Botham Trophy having defeated the Englishmen 1-0 in the Caribbean in 2021-2022.

Trinidadian fast bowler Jayden Seales was part of that winning team, and the speedster, who also had a stint recently with Sussex in the English county championship, is hoping that he can bring the same intensity at the home of cricket.

"It's a dream to play at Lord's and for me it's all about taking in everything that comes with the occasion and just express myself as much as I can."