Jason Holder eyes red-ball cricket comeback in near future

Star West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder is determined to make his return to the longest format. Currently off the central contract and pursuing franchise cricket, Holder missed out on the recently-concluded series between Australia and the West Indies, where the Windies managed to steal a historic win in the second Test at the Gabba. 

Speaking of the same, Holder came forward to opine that not opting for the central contract was a mindful decision that he made as he wanted to concentrate on T20 cricket.  

Currently representing Khulna Tigers in the ongoing BPL (Bangladesh Premier League), Holder talked of how he wanted to prioritise the upcoming T20 World Cup and play as many T20 matches he could before the marquee tournament. 

"I didn't take the central contract this year. A lot of thinking was behind me not taking the central contract as I prioritized the T20 World Cup in order to give me the best chance to be in the squad. This is a conscious decision I made. I really wanted to sign the central contract but it didn't work out. After not signing the contract, my decision was to capitalize on the first window this year and try to play as much T20 cricket leading up to the T20 World Cup," Holder was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. 

When I saw the Test series, I was so proud: Holder

Furthermore, the 32-year-old revealed how disappointed he was in missing out on the Test series against Australia, and that he had a special interest in the Australia Test series as he wanted to see how the younger cricketers fared against one of the best sides in world cricket. 

"I watched a lot of the Test series when I was at ILT20. I was so proud. I had a keen interest in that series (against Australia) because I wanted to see how the younger guys come in and perform. Actually not perform, just to hold up in the environment. I never watch cricket with any kind of expectation. I watch only to learn. When I saw the Test series, I was so proud," Holder said.

"I was disappointed not to be there. I felt bad not to be among the boys. I think it was brilliant for me as I miss it even more. It gives me more push to get back on the field again," he added.