Greatest West Indies ODI XI of all time

#9 Michael Holding

Holding’s pace terrified opposition batsmen

Here is one more bowler from the 'golden pace quartet' of the 1970s and 1980s that makes it to our side. For the followers of today's cricket, the name of Michael Holding may bring to mind his sweet and peculiar accent in the commentary section, but those who faced him as a bowler would have a vastly different story to tell.

When he had the ball in hand, Holding was very hostile and gave unforgettable nightmares to the batsmen. He bowled incredibly fast and hurried the batsmen to give up thier wicket. To merely survive against him at the height of his powers was a feat in itself.

(Video Courtesy: njrajesh YouTube Channel)

For batsmen, nothing would be more terrifying than the sight of Holding running in like a cheetah. Although Andy Roberts, his fellow great in the quartet, gives Holding a stiff competition for a slot in this side, Holding edges him out as the number of ODIs played by Roberts is too small (56).

In an ODI career that lasted 11 years, Holding played 102 matches and picked up a staggering 142 wickets. His economy rate of 3.32 and average of 21 are stupendous too.