‘He hit the nail on the head’ – Jason Holder on Michael Holding’s passionate speech on longstanding racism

Jason Holder, the West Indies Test skipper, has found Michael Holding’s words on racism powerful enough. Prior to the opening Test between England and the Caribbean team at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, the 66-year-old Holding spoke about how the society is dealing with the issue of racism and how one should acknowledge that black lives matter.

The documentary of Holding’s interview was aired on Wednesday prior to the opening day’s play of the ongoing Test. Holder, who returned with a six-wicket haul on Thursday, hoped for the message to reach people, making them aware about the necessity of bringing “systemic equality”. The 28-year-old also thanked Holding for sending out the strong message.

There is a bigger picture than sport sometimes: Jason Holder

“I saw the interview with Mikey and I felt in my veins. It was powerful, he hit the nail on the head and was spot on. Credit must be given to him and I want to thank him personally for that,” Holder was quoted as saying to Sky Sports Cricket during the second day’s play of the Test match.

“Hopefully the message he sent out can be viewed by all so people can understand and we get the systemic equality we are looking for. There is a bigger picture than sport sometimes and we need to have a level playing field for everyone. It’s for us to come together a lot more – to educate ourselves and try to solve issues that we have,” he added.

However, Holding reckons that Holder didn’t need to thank him. Rather, he said that Holder along with the other Caribbean players should stay vocal on the issue of longstanding racism in the sport. “I don’t think you need to thank me, Jason – you guys need to take the baton and keep on running with it,” Holding said.

On the second day’s play, Holder returned with his career-best figures of six for 42, bowling the Three Lions out for a mere 204 in 67.3 overs. He was also West Indies’ most frugal bowler with an economy rate of 2.10. At the end of the day’s play, the West Indies are trailing by 147 runs with nine wickets left in their first innings.