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ToggleWest Indies all-rounder Jason Holder has revealed why he opted out of Australia vs West Indies Test series recently. Jason Holder was one of the premium Caribbean members who made himself unavailable for the Test series. However, he has given a key reason behind his absence from the series.
Since many West Indies players did not participate in the series, the Caribbean team was backed by 7 uncapped members in the 15-member squad. However, the young blood showcased an amazing effort to defeat Australia in the 2nd Test.
As a result, the AUS vs WI Test series ended in a 1-1 tie. Notably, West Indies clinched a Test victory in Australia after a long gap of 27 years. Their last Test win on Australian soil was in 1997. Moreover, the visitors also crushed Aussies in a Test match after 2003.
Jason Holder reveals why he opted out of the Test series against Australia
During a chat with SEN Afternoons, former West Indies skipper Jason Holder revealed why he opted out of the AUS vs WI Test series. Holder said that he wants to prioritize T20 cricket this year due to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Holder also added that he wants to be part of the West Indies team in the World Cup.
“I think this year was a little bit unique, I wanted to definitely sign a central contract and be around West Indies cricket as is still my plan. But after long back and forth negotiations with Cricket West Indies it then led to this decision”.
“But it’s not me ruling up myself from any other cricket for the West Indies. I think because this year is a T20 World Cup year, I wanted to prioritise playing T20 cricket up front at least to give myself the best chances of making the West Indies T20 side”, the right-handed batter said.
Also Read: Matthew Short to miss AUS vs WI 3rd ODI, Ben McDermott chipped in as replacement
Really nice to watch: Holder on West Indies’ victory
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 will take place in the West Indies and USA in June 2024. Speaking about West Indies’ historic victory against Australia in Tests, Jason Holder said it was really nice to watch.
“So far it’s going well, it was really good to see the boys triumph against Australia, we haven’t beaten them for some time. That was really nice to watch,” the all-rounder said.
Jason Holder was part of the Test series against India in July 2023. It was West Indies’ previous series in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. Holder insists that he is keen to return to the field in Test cricket.
“I’m keen to get back on the field definitely in Test cricket. It is my favourite format. I prioritised Test cricket for a number of years and I think this situation is a little bit more unique as a World Cup year. I just wanted to give myself the best chance of preparing for the World Cup and giving myself the best chance of making a World Cup team,” said the 32-year-old pacer.
Also Read: Watch: Cameron Green turns Iron Fist to grab spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss Roston Chase
Australia and West Indies to play T20I series
Meanwhile, West Indies and Australia are currently busy in the ODI series. West Indies has already lost the first two games in the three-match series. The AUS vs WI 3rd ODI, a dead-rubber match, will take place on Tuesday, February 6 in Canberra.
Post the ODI series, both teams will clash in a three-match T20I series. Notably, key West Indies players like Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, and Brandon King will be back in the squad for the T20I series.
