Former One-Day International captain Jason Holder has been omitted from the West Indies squad for the first two ODIs of the three-match series against Ireland which started this week.
The fast bowling all-rounder is the only change to the Kieron Pollard-led team, which went down to India last month on the subcontinent.
West Indies chief selector Roger Harper said Holder’s engagement in all three formats meant it was important he was afforded the opportunity “to recharge his batteries.”
”The decision was taken to rest Holder due to the heavy workload he has had over the last year,” Harper explained.
Holder led West Indies in ODIs for more than four years but was sacked following the series defeat to India in the Caribbean last August, which came in the wake of the West Indies dismal campaign at the World Cup last year.
He retained his spot in the side and also forced his way into the Twenty20 squad, after presiding over Barbados Tridents’ capture of the Caribbean Premier League title last October.
Holder is ranked number one all-rounder in Test cricket and an important member of the team in the white ball formats. He is captain of the Test team.
Minnows Ireland arrived in the Caribbean last week for a historic West Indies tour, which bowled off earlier this week with a day/night ODI at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
Ireland are scheduled to play a three-match series in both the ODI and Twenty20 format, marking the first time the two teams will face each other in a full series.
Ireland’s head coach Graham Ford said the tourists were excited about the possibilities on the Caribbean tour.
The second ODI is also scheduled for Kensington Oval on Jan. 9, with Grenada National Stadium hosting the final ODI.
Grenada will also stage the opening Twenty20 International on Jan. 12 before Warner Park in St. Kitts plays host to back-to-back matches on Jan. 18 and 19.
West Indies have beaten Ireland in seven of the 10 ODIs and two of four T20s to date.
