INDIA TOUR OF WEST INDIES, 2016

Leon Johnson will open in the third Test: Jason Holder

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Jason Holder hinted at a few changes in the West Indies XI for the third Test © Cricbuzz

Confirming that Leon Johnson will open the batting alongside Kraigg Brathwaite in the third Test against India, Jason Holder, the West Indies skipper also hinted the possibility of including an extra seam option. Speaking to the media on the eve of the penultimate Test of the four-game series, at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, Holder urged the top-order to spend longer time at the crease and felt the best way to get the crowd back was through good performances.

Excerpts from Jason Holder's press conference on Monday (August 8):

'We may think about the extra seamer'On the possible team combination for the third Test

If you look at the pitch here, there seems to be a little bit of grass. There's a strong possibility that we may have a change in terms of our bowling department, we may think about the extra seamer. That's pretty much it. This wicket here, over the years, has played quicker than most pitches in the Caribbean. For me, I think it's the best cricket pitch in the Caribbean in terms of carry and assistance for the quicker bowlers. So, there's a strong possibility that you may see an extra seamer.

'Leon Johnson will open the batting'On Rajendra Chandrika's replacement

To nip it in the bud, Leon Johnson will open the batting tomorrow. He's the next opener in the line, so he will come into the squad to replace Chandrika. I wish him the very best, hopefully he'll get some runs.

'Traditionally in the Caribbean nowadays, there are slow pitches'On factors involved in reading pitches in the West Indies

A number of factors. We tend to look at the body and try to find if the surface beneath is hard. We look at cracks at the initial stages. Particularly, the last time in Jamaica we came two days before the Test, it was quite dry. And the next morning, it was very very wet. So, it's hard to just predict. Most of the time you end up making a final decision on the morning and seeing how it looks on the first day's play. Traditionally in the Caribbean nowadays, there are slow pitches. It's difficult to read leading up to game but you probably may have a better understanding and a better idea on the morning of the game.

'Top-order hasn't really been getting in'On whether the top-order should employ an aggressive approach

I think it's important for each batsman to play their game. Whether you are a stroke player or someone who's a lot more patient. You have to work out what your game plan is, what's best suited for you. I think if you look at our middle order, it's a bit more free spirited in terms of stroke play and our top order is little bit more conservative, especially at the beginning. But as they spend some time, they tend to flourish.

For me, if I look back at the first two Test matches, the difference is that the top order hasn't really been getting in. I think they need to work a little harder in getting in. Once they get in, the likes of Bravo and Brathwaite and Samuels, we all know what they can do once they get a start. It's just about just getting a start, and get themselves going and carry it on from there.

'We're still trying to weigh up a few things'On the extra-seam option, if it would be Carlos Brathwaite

We're not quite sure yet. We're still trying to weigh up a few things in terms of our thinking. I think we will have a better understanding tomorrow morning when we see the pitch.

'The beauty about my spell was remaining patient'On his all-round performance in Jamaica

For me, I just try to do whatever the team requires. Currently, I'm playing as a bowling all-rounder, I think my first priority is to bowl. I was very pleased with the way I bowled in the last Test, particularly. I didn't think I got enough wickets, the wickets column wasn't as fruitful as I wanted it to be. Having said that, the beauty about my spell, for me, was remaining patient. I think on an other day, you may get two or three more wickets.

For me, just contributing to the team's cause, just make sure every time I bat I score some runs, at least steady the ship. Most of the times, when I've batted in recent times, I've been under a bit of pressure, I think that brings out the best in me. I like those situations when I am being heavily reliant on. You just knuckle down and play a memorable innings. Ideally, I would love to move up the order and bat higher up for the West Indies in the future. I guess I have to just keep doing my job and when I get the opportunity, make the most of it.

'Good performances is one way to get crowds coming back'On the lack of crowds for the Test series

I would love for more people to watch cricket. Recently, you see a lot of people coming out to see the T20 and the one-day stuff. You get a bit more party-like atmosphere, a bit more vibrant. For the last, number of years, the crowds for Test cricket have been really, really down. I've been trying to scratch my brain to see ways I can suggest how to get more people in to the stands, but I think good performances is one way to get crowds coming back.

If you look, in England and Australia, they always have people coming out, the die-hard cricket fans, coming out and supporting Test cricket per se. But everywhere else you struggle to get crowds. For me, I just think we just need to perform and if you perform consistently, you get a few more people coming in to support. I wouldn't know how much more you would have, but I definitely think you will get a few more people coming.

© Cricbuzz

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