LONDON: Jason Holder was outstanding with the ball, claiming career-best bowling figures as West Indies took advantage over England on the second day of the first Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
The leading allrounder in the world took 6-42 to send England crashing in their first innings at tea.
England were bowled out for 204 and West Indies batted well to reach 57-1 when bad light forced the players and the officials off the field at 5:50pm for the second day in a row.
“I felt really good today. It has been a while since we played. In the lead-up to this match, with my ankle I didn’t get as many overs, but it was great to go and get some good rhythm and get some wickets,” said Holder.
Holder picked up four of the five wickets which fell in the post-lunch session after the bowling fireworks were started by fast bowler Shannon Gabriel who claimed 4-62 to confirm his fitness and made a superb return to the international stage.
This marked the fourth time this century that two bowlers shared all 10 wickets for the West Indies in a Test innings.
John Campbell played well for a breezy 28, before he was leg-before to James Anderson, after he had twice reviewed and overturned LBW decisions.
Opener Kraigg Brathwaite has been solid and will resume on 20 while Shai Hope is on three not out.
“It was always our plan to bowl first. At the start if you asked me if I would take 200, I would say yes. Shannon was outstanding. He came in after not playing for a while and he’s a stroke force for us. He’s a weapon. His consistency was really good,” added Holder.
