Jason Holder looking to 'eliminate boundary balls'

Jason Holder, the 20-year-old quick who opened the bowling for West Indies A in the recently-concluded unofficial Test series against India A, has said he is keen on tightening up his bowling.

Holder had claimed a five-for in India's chase in the first unofficial Test, helping reduce the visitors to 115 for 8, before they recovered to an unlikely win. In the Twenty20s that followed, he returned figures of 3 for 19 in West Indies three-wicket win on June 23. Now, he will play the three-match ODIs series.

"I have been bowling reasonably well, but I still have areas where I could improve upon - the extras and 'boundary balls' are the main areas I need to eliminate," Holder said on eve of the first unofficial one-dayer.

In limited-overs cricket, he enjoys bowling at the death, he said. "I am always keen on finishing the innings [while bowling], as it's one of the most exciting parts of the game. It's a really good feeling when you bowl a good last over."

Holder, at 6ft.7, towers over several team-mates, and is often compared with former West Indies quick Joel Garner. He has learnt a lot from Garner, Holder said, but he does not try to imitate him. "I have a great deal of respect for him [Garner] and his knowledge. I try to speak to him as often as I can and he always offers great advice. I see him as someone who has done it all and can help me along the way. I don't try to be a carbon-copy of him.

"My ultimate ambition is to play for West Indies. That is still some way off and I know there is a lot of work to do... I need to keep growing. There are some bowlers and allrounders ahead of me, but I'm prepared to put in the [required] work."