Rajkot: The current West Indies squad may not have much experience of playing in India but captain Jason Holder believes his team can take on the World No.1 side like it has done against other top teams such as England.
After a memorable win against England at Leeds last year, the West Indies have had a decent 2018 as they drew with Sri Lanka at home before beating the visiting Bangladesh side.
Skipper Holder, who himself has not played a Test in India, however, remains confident. “It is a great challenge and everyone is up for it. We have pushed top teams in the last few years. This group has shown what they can do. We are just focussed on playing good cricket and would not like to be drawn in personal battles,” said Holder ahead of the first Test beginning here Thursday.
The team is clear with its game plans having spent a week in Dubai before playing a two-day warm-up in Baroda. “Patience plays a massive role in India. We need to stick to game plans and not get into one-on-one battles. We have discussed how we are going to score runs against their quality attack,” said the 26-year-old, who has played 34 Tests.
Pace is West Indies’ strength though they have been hit by the absence of Kemar Roach in the series opener after the lead fast bowler had to rush back home following the death of his grandmother. The pitch here has bit of grass covering and Holder is not complaining.
“It (pitch) was covered when I came today (Wednesday) but there seems to be a bit of grass. The practice facilities are brilliant in Gujarat. But like I said cricket is played on the day. It is about executing your plans,” he said.