Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

Irma on Windies' minds ahead of decider

West Indies captain Jason Holder says his side's thoughts are dominated by deadly Hurricane Irma heading into their biggest Test match in years.

Jason Holder.
Jason Holder's West Indies side are on the cusp of a first series win in England in nearly 30 years. (AAP)

West Indies will begin a "momentous" match at Lord's with thoughts inevitably extended to compatriots affected by Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean.

Captain Jason Holder is respectful of those worrying circumstances back home across the Atlantic but is urging his team to remain "professional" in the decisive third Test against England.

Holder's men have an unexpected chance to achieve a historical shift at the home of cricket as they seek a first Test series success in this country since 1988 for the once mighty West Indies.

Events 6500 kilometres away are life-threatening, with the islands of Antigua and Jamaica among those in the path of the fiercest recorded Caribbean storm.

Initial reports were reassuring, however, and Holder said: "Luckily I think it's passed Antigua and those islands going up, and hasn't really affected them that badly so far.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"But it's obviously still going, and heading towards some other islands up the northern chain.

"We just urge (people there) to stay safe, take all the necessary precautions - and as much as we can do is pray for them as well.

"We know what's happening back home. (But) we've got to be professional."

It will be a famous achievement if the Windies do prevail 2-1 on the back of their shock five-wicket win at Headingley last week.

"It's obviously a momentous game for everybody - especially in our group," said Holder.

"A number of us are playing our first Test match here at Lord's, our first series in England.

"There's a lot to play for, and our guys are really up for it.

"It would be great to win the series in England, but ... we can't focus on the end result."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world