Omission of Pollard, Bravo huge loss for Windies: Skipper Holder

Sydney, Feb 8 (IANS) West Indies captain Jason Holder has admitted that the absence of experienced duo Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo is a "huge loss" to the Caribbean team's ambitions at the World Cup, describing the decision as beyond his control.

"They are two players who have done well in world cricket," Holder was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.com Sunday.

"But it's out of our control. Not having them would be a huge loss to any side. But it's beyond our control and we have to accept it and move on."

Holder, 23, became the youngest captain in the West Indies' history when he was appointed to lead the side in the aftermath of the players' strike that saw the team abandon their tour of India.

And the task of leading the two-time World Cup champions is admittedly an overwhelming task for the young cricketer.

"Being captain is a huge thing for me. At 22-years-old I was the youngest captain of all time. Yes, I had to think about it. It was a delicate time. So I gave it some thought and spoke to a few players around the dressing room and made my decision," he said.

"I've seen myself to be a leader in most teams I've put myself into. I've led teams before. I led West Indies Under-19 and I was vice-captain on the West Indies A team.

It's not something that I'm fresh to. We've been inconsistent and not played to the best of our abilities but we have some world beaters in our team. It's all about putting it all together."

Holder said he is banking on the experience and the destructive ability of senior pro Chris Gayle to fire his team's challenge in the tournament.

"Chris is big player for any team he plays for," he said.

"He's a world beater. He's been a top batsman for us for a number of years. We just want him to be his normal self and get the best out of him."

Holder said he was optimistic of striking up a good rapport with the senior guys in the team and said his short stint as the leader has been smooth.

"I have built a relationship with some of the senior players. Being captain has not been that difficult thus far.

We didn't do too well in South Africa but we didn't have our full-strength team out there. I have a good relationship with all the guys," he added.

West Indies's final preparations for the World Cup begin with a warm-up match against England in Sydney Monday.