Jason Holder is determined to make a positive impact for Worcestershire and also pass on some of his vast cricketing knowledge to his new team-mates as he prepares to make his debut in today’s Vitality County Championship derby with Warwickshire at Edgbaston.
The West Indies star flew into England on Tuesday and is available for the opening five Championship matches of the 2024 season.
He wants to make his mark and help Worcestershire make an encouraging start in their bid to become established in the top flight after last summer’s memorable promotion campaign.
Holder, who has represented the West Indies in 265 games across all three formats, said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity. I’ve played cricket in England before and I’ve really enjoyed it.
“One of the things that stands out for me in county cricket is the camaraderie within the teams. Everyone gets on really well and I’m sure nothing will be any different here.
“Coming here to play Division One cricket is obviously a plus. It’s good to see the group progressing and starting a new chapter.
“It’s important for us to start well and I will do everything within my blood and power to make sure we start well.
“Everyone has that same motive, everyone wants to do well.
“Lots to look forward to for the county and lots of opportunities for people to put their names forward and perform.
“Will I look to pass on my knowledge and experience? Definitely. I’ve been playing cricket long enough now. I’ve had international career now of 12 years.
“Anything I can do to help people, that is always something I take pride in doing.
“I’m looking forward to this opportunity to pass on anything I can to these boys but also learn from them as well.
“I’ve always been a student of the game and there are things I can take from playing in English conditions from the local lads here.”
Holder is impressed with Worcestershire’s willingness to give youth a chance but also 28-year-old Yadvinder Singh from the South Asian Cricket Academy.
He arrived at Kidderminster on Tuesday for practice just as Yadvinder was helping to seal victory for the Seconds against Gloucestershire with six wickets during the game.
Holder said: “The beauty of cricket is it doesn’t matter when you start. You can come in at the mid stage or back part of your career and make an impact.
“It is good to see that Worcestershire give people here opportunities and he (Yadvinder) has grabbed it and will maybe be putting his hand in the hat for selection.
“I think it creates good camaraderie and also competition for places within the squad and that’s what you would want in terms of building a strong unit.”
Holder played alongside Worcestershire 2024 white ball signing Jason Cobb at Northamptonshire and is pleased to have Adam Hose as a team-mate rather than an opponent.
He said: “I know Hosey, played against him quite a few times. I remember I played against him in the ILT20 a short while ago and he did really well against me personally so it’s good to be on his team this time around!
“I’ve played with Josh Cobb and am just trying to get familiar with everyone. I’m sure I’ll blend in quite nicely. I usually do and looking forward to everything Worcestershire has to offer.”
