Wisden cricketer

Sir Garfield Sobers: West Indies fast-bowling all-rounder Jason Holder has signed up with Worcestershire for the first five matches of the upcoming County Championship season. Holder, a former No.1 all-rounder in the ICC Test rankings, will be available from Worcestershire’s opening County Championship fixture against Warwickshire at Edgbaston beginning on April 5.

Holder, 32, is a recipient of the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2021 and is also available for the home fixtures with Durham and Somerset at Kidderminster and the away games with Nottinghamshire and Kent.

He is the latest in a group of distinguished West Indian cricketers to play for Worcestershire including Vanburn Holder, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach. Holder has produced many memorable performances including a double century in 2019 against England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. “I always enjoy my time in England and I’m looking forward to helping Worcestershire get off to a good start to life in Division One of the County Championship. I know Worcestershire have had strong links with the West Indies in terms of players playing for them over many years and I hope I can make my mark over the five games.”