Vanburn Holder was a fast-medium bowler in between two eras where West Indies cricket was dominated by fast men. Originally a change bowler to Charlie Griffith and Wes Hall, he relied on accuracy and determination and in 40 Tests took 109 wickets. He toured England in 1969 - with mediocre success - and again in 1973 when he was an integral part of the bowling attack as West Indies ended six-and-a-half years without a series win. In 1973-74 he hammered a career-best 122 for Barbados, and in 1974 was a key part of Worcestershire's Championship-winning side. In 1974-75 he took 6 for 39 in the final Test in India to wrap up another series win, but as the West Indies new young fast bowlers emerged he slipped out of the picture. He returned when many of them joined World Series Cricket, and in 1977-78 took 6 for 28, his Test-best, against Australia in Trinidad. That won him a place on the tour of India in 1978-79 but he did little of note and retired shortly afterwards. He was appointed as a first-class umpire in England in 1992.
Martin Williamson