Jason Holder claims Barbados-born paceman Jofra Archer would not get into his West Indies team for one simple reason: “He’s English”.
Archer learned his trade in the Caribbean but slipped out of the system after being overlooked for the Under-19 World Cup four years ago.
Thanks to a British passport, owing to his Liverpudlian father, he forged a path in county cricket with Sussex and is now spearheading England’s World Cup attack in eye-catching style.
His international career is still in its infancy, totalling just seven games, but Friday’s clash at the Hampshire Bowl represents a watershed moment as he lines up against the Windies for the first time.
The opposition line-up will contain at least two of Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran and Fabian Allen – his old Under-19 colleagues – and will be led by his fellow Bajan, Holder.
Cricket West Indies made a late bid to win Archer’s allegiance back before he became eligible for England, but when asked if the 24-year-old would make the current XI, Holder’s answer was telling.
“He’s English, so no,” said the all-rounder with a smile.
“I have seen Jofra over the years. He’s grown up in Barbados playing cricket so what you see, what I’m seeing of Jofra, doesn’t surprise me.
“It’s something that has been talked up in the press, in the media. I don’t want to limit it to Jofra, but we are looking forward to this game against England.”
The Windies drew 2-2 with England on home soil earlier this year in a ODI series that saw left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell come to the fore.
He marked each of his wickets with a theatrical march and military salute – a nod to his own history with the Jamaican defence force.
England coach Trevor Bayliss suggested this week that he was no fan of the celebration, but Holder was unable to offer any respite.
“I’m sure Sheldon is looking to salute,” he said.
“I don’t think it will change, that’s just Sheldon. I guess Trevor will just have learn to accept it.”
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