Michael Holding credits Shanon Gabriel's pace for Windies improvement

After having had to face a crushing defeat by an innings and 209 runs at the hands of England at Edgbaston in the first Test match of the series, Windies have looked to come back strongly and showcased the same intent on the first day of the 2nd Test match at Headingley, on Friday. Kemar Roach and Shanon Gabriel managed to pick up 4 wickets apiece and England was bowled out for a total of 258 runs. Former West Indian pace legend, Michael Holding credited Gabriel for the marked improvement in their bowling attack and also expressed doubts about the English top order.

63-year old Holding is regarded as one of the most lethal pacers of all time and had been nicknamed as the “Whispering Death” by the umpires for his smooth run-up, devoid of any sound. As reported by Sky Sports, the Jamaican appreciated his national team for having put up a better bowling performance and criticised the current captain, Jason Holder for faulty field placement.

Holding lauds Shanon Gabriel and the effort from Windies

Holding was all praises for the Windies effort and the marked improvement in their performances. “The most important thing for the West Indies is that they bowled a lot better. They pitched the ball up, which is very important at Headingley and they bowled a proper line, they weren’t all over the place as we saw in Birmingham. They have improved and done a lot better here. I think they have also selected a better team. They have someone with a bit of pace, Shannon Gabriel touches 90mph every now and again and is consistently between 85 and 90,” he said.

Criticism for the Windies

However, the terror-evoking pacer of his time was objective in scrutinizing the on-field decisions. Perplexed at the decision of giving preference to a part-time spinner over a specialist, Holding added, “The Windies have also picked a specialist spinner. I’m not too sure why the part-time spinner got the ball before the specialist before lunch – Roston Chase bowled three overs for 17 runs which was a waste of time – but then again, I think, overall, they’ve done well.”

He also felt that the young captain, Holder is still in the learning curve and opined, “He’s still learning as a captain. I think he was a bit faulty with his field placing, people have pointed out that he was chasing the ball at times. It’s not just him though. In general, I think there is too much short-term thinking in Test match cricket. Everyone makes short-term plans instead of looking at the long-term benefit. Test matches are five days. You don’t lose a Test match in a session unless you lose it by dropping catches. Even if you are a little bit expensive as a bowler, you need your fielders in position to take wickets.”

Holding is unsure about England’s top order

Holding concluded by expressing his doubts about the England top order, “To get them [England] out for 258 is a good start.  As for England, it was another disappointing day for Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley and Dawid Malan. Some people have said they have three innings to claim an Ashes place but I don’t look at it that way, to be honest. I think England have problems at numbers two, three and five – they need to sort that out before they go to Australia. They can’t keep depending on Root and the all-rounders to bail them out.”