Image Credit- Abu Dhabi T10
Jason Holder, who has played in the CPL, IPL, BBL, and
SA20 as a freelance T20 cricketer, has now expanded his network to include T10.
The West Indies all-rounder is loving the challenge of playing in cricket’s
shortest format as he represents Samp Army in the current Abu Dhabi T10 second
edition.
Army lost their opening game of the season to Northern
Warriors, but they bounced back with four straight victories. Holder was a key
player in three of the wins. Against Chennai Braves, he first bowled a
commanding spell of 1 for 8 in two overs. Then, against Team Abu Dhabi, he hit
29 off 10 balls and grabbed 3 for 12, and against Delhi Bulls, he contributed 3
for 15 to win Player of the Match. These were back-to-back all-around efforts.
Holder made his feats in the newest format sound quite
easy.
“You’ve just got to be very clear. Once you’re
clear, it’s easier to execute,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “The moment you
have a clouded mind, it’s a lot more difficult to execute. Having a clear mind,
being clinical and just executing your plans is very much on the precision part
of the game, and you’ve got to be precise in terms of executing.”
In less than six months, the USA and the West Indies
will host the T20 World Cup. Holder, a unique West Indies player who presently
plays all three formats for his country, feels that T10 is “a good
challenge” to have. They have another 14 T20Is scheduled until the major
tournament arrives, five of them at home starting next week against England.
“It’s still the same skills in cricket. You’re
probably under a bit of more pressure in a shortened game, so definitely [T10]
challenges your skills, temperament and overall cricket development,” he
said. “It’s a wonderful game, and I think it’s here to stay. As
cricketers, you’ve just got to adapt – to any given situation and
circumstances. As a professional if you can’t adapt, then you’ll always
struggle.”