About time we win another World Cup: Holder

"It is probably [one of] our weaker formats," Jason Holder admitted. © Getty

A prolonged slump in the 50-over format has left the Windies in unfamiliar territory, having to play the World Cup Qualifier in order to make it to the mega event next year in England. Having won the first two World Cups, Windies now face the possibility of not making it to the tournament as they get set to take on the likes of Netherlands, Ireland, hosts Zimbabwe and favourites Afghanistan among others in the 10-team tournament that will get underway on March 4.

Even though Windies face a tough challenge ahead of them, skipper Jason Holder is not only confident of putting up a good show but is hopeful of carrying the momentum into the showpiece event next year as well. "We know what is at stake," Holder said on Monday (February 25) at the Harare Sports Club ahead of the warm-up matches. "It is an opportunity for us to grab some momentum heading into next year's World Cup, get some games under our belt, just finalise some combinations, get things straightened, and hopefully turn our cricket in terms of the ODI format."

The allrounder acknowledged that ODI cricket has not been a strong point for Windies off late, which includes a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand recently. "It is probably [one of] our weaker formats," Holder admitted. "No doubt, we have not been consistent, something that we have addressed, hopefully going forward we should see some good performances. We've got a well-balanced side, quality side with experience. Hopefully, we could gel together and make things happen in this tournament."

With the Windies winning the Under-19 World Cup in 2016 and both the men's and the women's World T20 titles in the same year, Holder hopes to draw inspiration and add a third world title in the 50-over format. "We've done well in T20 cricket, we've done well in women's cricket and in Under-19 cricket," he recalled. "I think it's about time we win another World Cup."

Holder also thanked senior statesmen Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels for making themselves available for the tournament. The move comes in as a huge boost for a squad that looked depleted without the likes of Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo who had all opted to play in the Pakistan Super League. "I must commend Chris and Marlon, who have come here without motivation to do well for the Windies and give themselves a chance to play another World Cup," he said.

"As I said to the group, it may be an opportunity for guys to finish their careers well, it's also an opportunity for guys to make a spark in their careers by playing in the World Cup."