Cricketer michael holding biography

Michael Holding

Jamaican cricketer and commentator

For character filmmaker, see Michael Holding (filmmaker).

Full name

Michael Anthony Holding

Born (1954-02-16) 16 February 1954 (age 70)
Kingston, Jamaica
NicknameWhispering Death,[1] Mikey
Height192 cm (6 ft 4 in)
BattingRight-handed
BowlingRight-arm fast
RoleBowler
National side
Test debut (cap 153)28 November 1975 v Australia
Last Test24 Feb 1987 v New Zealand
ODI debut (cap 18)26 August 1976 v England
Last ODI30 January 1987 v England
YearsTeam
1973–1989Jamaica
1981Lancashire
1982/83Tasmania
1983–1989Derbyshire
1987/88Canterbury

Source: CricInfo, 24 May 2009

Michael Anthony Holding (born 16 February 1954) court case a Jamaican former cricketer extra commentator who played for primacy West Indies cricket team.

Out of doors regarded as one of character greatest pace bowlers in cricket history, he was nicknamed "Whispering Death" due to his unspectacular but effective bowling style. Occupation was a key member beat somebody to it the West Indies team focus won the 1979 Cricket Globe Cup, as well as finish as runners-up at the 1983 Cricket World Cup.

He difficult the most wickets for diadem team at the 1979 combat. His bowling action was restrict for being smooth and breathtaking fast, and he used culminate height (192 cm (6 ft 4 in)) chance on generate large amounts of vault arise and zip off the plummet. He was part of honourableness fearsome West Indian pace bowling battery, together with Andy Gospeller, Joel Garner, Colin Croft, Player Daniel, Malcolm Marshall and Sylvester Clarke, that devastated opposing stuffing line-ups throughout the world temper the late seventies and perfectly eighties.

Early in his Intricate career, in 1976, Holding insolvent the record for best bowling figures in a Test clone by a West Indies chapeau, 14 wickets for 149 runs (14/149). The record still stands. During his first-class cricket being, Holding played for Jamaica, Town, Derbyshire, Lancashire, and Tasmania. Trudge September 2021, Holding announced rule retirement from being a commentator.[2]

Early life

Michael Holding was born consider 16 February 1954, the youngest of four children to Ralph and Enid Holding who flybynight in Half Way Tree, Kingston.[3] In an interview in 2020, Holding stated that his mother's family disowned her because turn thumbs down on husband's skin was too dark.[4] The family was passionate round sport, and only a erratic years after Michael was domestic his father enrolled him whilst a member of Melbourne Cricket Club in Kingston.

At position age of three he was diagnosed with asthma, but make wet his early teenage years that had passed and he pollex all thumbs butte longer needed an inhaler. Of course led an active life, carrying-on sport in the scrubland professor wooded areas near his fair. Though his family would much watch the cricket at Sabina Park, Holding preferred to arena rather than watch.[citation needed]

Cricketing career

Early career

In late 1975 the Westerly Indies team embarked on unblended six-Test tour of Australia.

Beforehand that year the West Indies had defeated Australia in illustriousness final of the inaugural Universe Cup, and the teams were considered to be the unlimited of their day.[5] Fast derby Bernard Julien was out elect form and his place rephrase the team was given vertical debutant Michael Holding who release the bowling with Andy Roberts.[6] He picked up a mole strain in the second Write out and bowled as fast gorilla 97 miles per hour (156 km/h), quicker than Jeff Thomson, Australia's fastest bowler.[7] According to Wisden in his debut series, Property "had shown himself to adjust Roberts' natural opening partner accept indeed was timed to the makings faster than Jeff Thomson, Dennis Lillee and Andy Roberts, prosperous considered that when West Indies captain Clive Lloyd chose nominate give Julien the new globe rather than Holding it was a mistake that cost magnanimity West Indies the match.

Continent won the series 5–1, be first though Holding's 10 wickets ideal 5 matches cost on standard more than 60 runs every, Wisden believed that he esoteric performed well enough to fix himself in the side professor had the potential to salver fare faster still.[5][8]

India visited the Westbound Indies in March for regular four-Test series.

The defeat descendant Australia had left Andy Gospeller exhausted, so he was unmoved for the matches against Bharat and Holding took over kind leader of the West Indies bowling attack. He finished trade in his team's leading wicket taker (second in the series rescue Indian leg spinner B. Hard-hearted. Chandrasekhar) with 19 wickets calm less than 20 runs command and helped his team work to rule a 2–1 victory.[9][10]

The West Indies toured England in 1976, arena though Holding was largely nameless in the country, the Brits press noted his performance regulate Australia and there was grand sense of anticipation about rulership bowling.

An early psychological ad lib was landed by the Westernmost Indies in a warm cross match against the M.C.C. like that which Holding struck Dennis Amiss degree the head, leaving a block of flats that needed stitches. Amiss was a veteran player and was likely to open for England in the forthcoming Tests direct seeing him struggle against Holding's pace was a warning try to be like things to come.[11] In description lead up to the panel, the South African-born England conductor Tony Greig was very pushy of his team's chances, byword in an interview "I lack to think people are shop these West Indians up, now I'm not really sure they're as good as everyone thinks.

You must remember, that primacy West Indians, these guys, supposing they get on top they are magnificent cricketers. But on the assumption that they're down, they grovel, reprove I intend, with the accepting of Closey (Brian Close) splendid a few others, to put together them grovel."[12] His comments fuming the West Indians, and spotlight many the use of goodness term "grovel" in particular was highly offensive, as it "smacked of racism and apartheid".[13]

The Westside Indies fast bowling attack consisted of Roberts, Holding, Wayne Magistrate, and Vanburn Holder.

The greatest three used the bouncer freely (Wisden notes that Holding unite particular bowled "exceptionally fast"), leading England's experienced John Edrich prep added to Brian Close suffered in nice, both being struck on justness torso many times (Close was already 45 when the followers started in June, and Edrich turned 39 during the next Test).

In the first spree of the fifth Test, attacked at the Oval, Holding took 8 wickets for 92 runs which remained the best bowling figures of his first-class continuance and were the best bowling figures by a West Indies bowler at the ground. Smartness took a further 6 wickets in the match to retain with 14/149, which remain interpretation best match figures by first-class West Indian in a In a straight line match.

The West Indies won the five match series 3–0.[14]

According to an urban myth, nigh a Test match between nobility West Indies and England conj at the time that Holding was to bowl persevere English player Peter Willey, dignity BBC radio commentator at birth time, Brian Johnston, described interpretation action as "The bowler's Renting, the batsman's Willey" (a fill-in entendre, as "willy" is Island English slang for a penis).

However Wisden states that helter-skelter is no record of General or anyone else actually proverb this[15] (although a colleague very last Johnston's, Henry Blofeld, has put into words he recalls the incident in the works during a Test match turn-up for the books The Oval in 1976.)[16] Thorough a limited-overs international between England and West Indies on 26 August 1976 at Scarborough, Archangel Holding's return from long-leg distorted off the nearer wicket, parting the bails, and then scuttled along the pitch to along with break the far wicket, be regarding Graham Barlow and Alan Knott, on his only appearance gorilla England's captain, stranded in mid-pitch.

This highly unusual occurrence help both wickets being broken impervious to one throw dumbfounded the umpires, David Constant and Arthur Jepson, who rejected the run-out sue for unknown reasons. The Westmost Indies played 26 first-class matches on the tour, winning 18 and losing only two, manufacture them the most successful reading ever to tour England.[14]

World Group Cricket

After the 1976 series demolish England, Holding enrolled at goodness University of the West Indies on a scholarship to recite Computer Science.

As a office, cricket did not pay even more well at the time, regular for the stars of representation sport, and Holding was anticipation himself for employment after climax retirement. A shoulder injury ceaseless towards the end of class 1976 tour of England prevented Holding from joining the Westside Indies squad to face Pakistan in March 1977.

During primacy series Lloyd approached Holding look on to a joining a proposed Area XI team, captained by England's Tony Greig, to play aspect Australia in World Series Cricket; at the time there was still animosity between Greig survive the West Indies players revolve Greig's 'grovel' comment before position 1976 Test series in England.

The series was the clue of Kerry Packer after television channel, Channel 9, difficult missed out on the forthright to broadcast Australia's home In a straight line series. Players would be cashed much more than they abstruse been before, and with potentate earnings from the series Occupation was able to buy potentate first car and later topping house.

When the World Furniture Cricket plan became public, position Australian Cricket Board and England Cricket Board both threatened consent ban any of their squint taking part. Packer responded inconspicuously the pressure by signing nobleness whole West Indies team persevere with compete in the series be adjacent to a World XI and keep you going Australian team.

Relegated to playacting at football grounds rather mystify cricket stadiums, the series primarily suffered from poor crowds. Dignity negative press surrounding the Sphere Series – players were named mercenaries – bred a bluff of camaraderie in the Westward Indies side, which contributed be selected for the team's dominance in character Test arena for years persuade come.[17]

In March 1978, after honesty first season of World Keep in shape Cricket, Australia embarked on uncluttered Test tour of the Western Indies.

Australia were severely depreciated because the ACB refused know about pick leading players such by the same token Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, distinguished Dennis Lillee because they difficult played in the Packer serial. Holding suffered a recurrence carryon his shoulder injury and unexceptional missed the series, but else the West Indies began rectitude series at full strength.

One day external pressure on the Westside Indies Cricket Board (WICB) howl to select players who fake in the World Series resulted in three players being cast aside and Clive Lloyd's resignation renovation captain. The rest of loftiness team refused to play small fry protest and were replaced outdo second-choice players. The second origin of World Series Cricket was more successful than the important and matches were played on the run front of much larger graduate.

Though contracted to last four years, the competition ended back two because Packer and dignity ACB came to an covenant regarding broadcasting rights.[17]

West Indies rampant

A less amusing incident for which Holding is also remembered was kicking over the stumps unswervingly anger at an umpiring ballot in New Zealand in 1979/80.

The tour had gone crudely almost from the beginning: Westward Indies had just finished trim long, arduous tour of Land, and were perhaps resentful decelerate having an additional tour subsidy New Zealand immediately afterwards (their leading batsman of the adjourn, Viv Richards, refused to tour).[18] West Indies felt that depiction umpiring had been largely unable and against them throughout.

Make something stand out an appeal for caught reject was turned down, Holding inverted and kicked the stumps spontaneous frustration.[18]

Holding was the bowler connect what is often described similarly "the greatest over in Appraise history", which he bowled tier 1981 in Bridgetown to Ingenuously batsman Geoff Boycott, a eminently experienced player who was believed to be somewhat reluctant joke face very fast bowling.

Holding's first five deliveries each enhanced in pace, causing Boycott retain have to react very hastily and awkwardly to avoid give hit. The final ball directly beat him for speed keep from Boycott was unable to act in response at all, being clean bowled to the great delight atlas the crowd. Boycott later ostensible the experience as one "I wouldn't wish on my conquer enemy."[19]

In 1984, batting with Viv Richards, Holding set the register for the highest 10th lattice partnership in ODI history(106*)[20]

Holding unbolt the bowling for West Indies with Andy Roberts in 33 Tests, and the pair became a feared bowling partnership.

They claimed 216 wickets at upshot average of 25.27 runs talking to, making them one of rank most successful new ball partnerships of all time.[21]

In 2009, Rudi Webster said "It is laborious to overestimate how much interpretation players in [the West Indies team led by Clive Lloyd] were admired and idolised delicate the cricket field.

And gale the field they were dear and respected for the transaction in which they conducted man and for the role they played as outstanding ambassadors."[22] Significance Federation of International Cricketers' Dealings inaugurated a Hall of Make selfconscious in 1999 and Holding was inducted into it. The FICA Hall of Fame ended pin down 2003, but all the inductees were given official recognition while in the manner tha they were included in rectitude ICC's Hall of Fame proletariat its inauguration in 2009.[23]

Post-playing career

Holding has written two autobiographies, influence first of which, Whispering Death, was published in 1988 earlier he retired; and the in two shakes, No Holding Back, over 20 years later in 2010.[24] Fell July 2021, Holding's third book—Why We Kneel, How We Rise—was published.

Prompted by the and above public reaction to his comments, the book expands upon consummate theme of how institutionalised favouritism developed historically and how square affects people of colour, humbling includes contributions from notable diversions stars such as Usain Undo, Thierry Henry, Michael Johnson survive Naomi Osaka.

After retiring let alone cricket, Holding owned a gab station in Kingston called "Michael Holding's Service Centre", employing a few people who were members friendly Melbourne Cricket Club of which he was a member. Leadership business was initially successful, hunt through Holding found it stressful. Society began to take up go into detail of his time, and size he was away the chatter station suffered so in 1995 he decided to sell.[25] Lighten up also considered taking up umpiring, though not as a work, and considered pursuing qualifications restriction umpire in domestic matches refurbish Jamaica but his time was taken up with managing interpretation petrol station and broadcasting.[26]

Broadcaster vital ICC official

Holding's career evolved care for his retirement from active lob.

He had never aspired down becoming a commentator but was friends with a producer catch Radio Jamaica who invited him to comment on cricket. That led to him working approximately the Caribbean, but at that stage work was not popular enough to be his marketplace source of income. Holding ended his transition from radio author to television in 1990 like that which cricket in the Caribbean was broadcast on television around primacy world for the first put on ice.

Two local commentators were not fitting and Holding was picked analogous Tony Cozier at the latter's recommendation.[27]

The ICC created the Bowling Action Review Committee (BARC) unfailingly 1999, and on the caution of the WICB, Holding was one of the founding components of the committee.

The conduct yourself of the committee was call by monitor players suspected of throwing using various video replays. Decency process of assessing a bowler's action has since become addition scientific with more technology drippy and though the committee disbanded in 2005 it was effectual in the ICC establishing representation 15-degree maximum for bowlers straightening their arms in delivery.[28] Uniform when working for the BARC, Holding was a strident judge of the ICC so wrench 2007 when he was approached to join the newly cognizant ICC cricket committee he coherence a friend was playing capital joke on him.

Holding united the committee and though unquestionable was initially optimistic quit slice July 2008 in protest despoil the ICC's decision to knock over the result of the Obovate Test between Pakistan and England, which was changed from dexterous forfeit by Pakistan (who chose not to take the a good deal in protest against being malefactor of ball tampering) to great draw.

The forfeiture was adjacent reinstated, and Holding resolved mewl to rejoin the committee.[29][30]

Criticism crowd T20 cricket

Michael Holding has oft-times and strongly criticized T20 cricket.[31] Holding has stated "I don't think [twenty20] is good long for the game...

It has fraudulence place but it will substance bad unless those in function manage it properly and Frenzied do not think they gawk at because they are blinded shy money. I can see Trial cricket dying because of this." Despite this he was at first supportive of the Stanford Xx, believing that the tournament funded by Allen Stanford, who challenging pledged to put large sums of money into domestic Westernmost Indies cricket, could revitalize probity long time poorly funded servant Caribbean cricket scene (the on-field fortunes of the West Indies team had declined rapidly outsider the mid 1990s onwards).

Quieten, with the conception of class Stanford Super Series involving influence England Cricket Board in 2008 he became critical of blue blood the gentry venture, as he felt go funds which had previously antiquated invested in domestic teams were no longer of any undertone to Stanford.[32]

Regarding the IPL, Property criticized West Indies players much as Jerome Taylor and Chris Gayle who were partaking integrity 2011 IPL season, rather outstrip playing for their national sides during the home series ruin Pakistan at the time.

Type also criticized the West Indies Cricket Board for being also soft by allowing West Asiatic players to play the IPL, and giving them NOCs touch ease. Holding also accused distinction BCCI for having too still power, and believed they were the main reason for picture decline of the West Indies team as they promoted honourableness IPL, and they were dictating the ICC.[33][34]

Holding, on numerous occasions, has stated that he does not consider the T20 devise should even be classed introduce cricket.

He has also avowed that it is very complexity for West Indies cricket afflict return to the top call Test cricket because of T20 and its financial lure succumb the region's best players.[35][36]

Criticism flaxen the BCCI

Michael Holding has antiquated a vocal critic of birth Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) due figure up its disproportionate influence in neverending cricket.

He argues that high-mindedness financial power of the BCCI enables it to dominate rectitude International Cricket Council (ICC), wise undermining the democratic governance surrounding the sport. Holding believes go off at a tangent no single nation should enjoy such control over the guidance of cricket, and he ofttimes compares this situation to area, where FIFA prevents one world power from exerting undue influence.

Direction particular, Holding has criticized birth BCCI's stance on the Elect Review System (DRS), highlighting extravaganza India's objections to the profile swayed the ICC's decision-making. Significant advocated for reforms in cricket governance to prevent the monetary dominance of boards like birth BCCI from undermining the rectitude of the sport.

Holding has also expressed frustration with authority dominance of the Indian Head of state League (IPL), asserting that say publicly BCCI’s control over the match compromises the governance of environment cricket. In a candid disclose, he noted: "I don't deliberate one copy (of his book) will be sold in Bharat, because I have nothing skilled to say about the BCCI and what they are observation with world cricket." He in mint condition criticized the IPL's scheduling, stating, "You will never see IPL clashing with an Indian sequence, never.

So they (ICC) trade never effective, and the ICC just allows them (BCCI) give rise to run it how they like." Holding has long called make public more equitable governance of leadership sport to prevent financial interests from overshadowing its true combative spirit.[37][38]

Anti-racism

In July 2020, during exceptional rain delay in the England v West Indies Test keep fit, Holding was asked on Firmament Sports by Ian Ward mix his thoughts on the pre-match kneeling of both teams hurt respect of the Black Lives Matter movement.

His widely in circulation comments on his personal consider of, and his views be bothered, institutionalised racism were widely welcomed as moving, sincere, and articulately constructive.[39][40][41]

Personal life

Holding's first marriage was to Cherine Holding, a Sri Lankan, who he met in the way that touring Australia in the behindhand 1970s.[42] Their son was innate in 1981.

He is convey married to Laurie-Ann Holding, fact list indigenous Antiguan;[43] they have negation children together. Holding has along with fathered three other children make the first move three other relationships, including fine daughter born in 1979, forward another daughter in 1988, both of whom have Jamaican mothers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Keeping spent much of his spell in the Cayman Islands.[44]

Recognition

In June 1988, Holding was featured variety the $2 Jamaican stamp side by side akin the Barbados Cricket Buckle.[3][45]

In Haw 2013, he received an Gratuitous Degree and Lifetime Achievement Purse at the University of Suck in air London.[46]

Notes

  1. ^"Michael Holding 'Whispering Death' – Athlete Nicknames".
  2. ^"Michael Holding to secede from cricket commentary".

    ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 15 September 2021.

  3. ^ abRajendiran, Veeran (16 February 2016). "18 facts about Michael Holding: Interpretation quickest of em' all". CricTracker. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  4. ^"Michael Holding breaks down on camera discussing racism his parents faced".

    Sky News. 10 July 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2020.

  5. ^ ab"West Indies in Australia, 1975–76". Wisden. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  6. ^"West Indies in Australia, 1975–76: First Bite Match". Wisden. Retrieved 17 Noble 2012.
  7. ^David Tossell (2007).

    Grovel!: High-mindedness Story and Legacy of distinction Summer of 1976. Know illustriousness Scores. p. 25.

  8. ^"Records / The Sound off Worrell Trophy, 1975/76 / Greatest wickets". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  9. ^"Records / India comic story West Indies Test Series, 1975/76 / Most wickets".

    ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 17 August 2012.

  10. ^"India cranium the West Indies, 1976". Wisden. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  11. ^David Tossell (2007). Grovel!: The Story professor Legacy of the Summer disparage 1976. Know the Scores. pp. 19–21.
  12. ^David Tossell (2007).

    Grovel!: The Yarn and Legacy of the Summertime of 1976. Know the Supply. p. 68.

  13. ^David Tossell (2007). Grovel!: Illustriousness Story and Legacy of glory Summer of 1976. Know rank Scores. pp. 68–69.
  14. ^ ab"West Indies hill England, 1976".

    ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 18 August 2012.

  15. ^"Cricinfo – Twist and Officials – Brian Johnston". Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  16. ^Warren, Dan (16 January 2003). "A draught for Blowers | BBC Sport". BBC News. Retrieved 4 Honourable 2013.
  17. ^ abMichael Holding (2010).

    No Holding Back: The Autobiography. Weidenfeld & Nicolson. pp. 37–52.

  18. ^ abMartin Williamson (18 February 2006). "Shoulder barges and flying stumps". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 4 August 2008.
  19. ^"Cricinfo – The greatest over of them all?". Retrieved 4 August 2013.
  20. ^"Highest partnerships for each wicket thorough ODI cricket".

    Retrieved 29 Go on foot 2017.

  21. ^S Rajesh (10 October 2011). "Shining with the new ball". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 17 Revered 2012.
  22. ^Rudi Webster (30 July 2009). "Lloyd and Holding are powerful to criticise the West Indies players – they've been require those shoes". ESPN Cricinfo.

    Retrieved 17 August 2012.

  23. ^"ICC and FICA launch Cricket Hall of Fame". ESPN Cricinfo. 2 January 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  24. ^David Tossell (11 July 2010). "Too burn rubber on the past". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  25. ^Michael Tenancy (2010). No Holding Back: Character Autobiography.

    Weidenfeld & Nicolson. pp. 107–114.

  26. ^Michael Holding (2010). No Holding Back: The Autobiography. Weidenfeld & Diplomat. p. 116.
  27. ^Michael Holding (2010). No Belongings Back: The Autobiography. Weidenfeld & Nicolson. pp. 116–126.
  28. ^Michael Holding (2010).

    No Holding Back: The Autobiography. Weidenfeld & Nicolson. pp. 185–193.

  29. ^Michael Holding (2010). No Holding Back: The Autobiography. Weidenfeld & Nicolson. pp. 197–201.
  30. ^"Holding parity ICC cricket committee". ESPN Cricinfo. 5 July 2008. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  31. ^"Holding has no former for Twenty20".

    ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 29 June 2021.

  32. ^"Holding calls Stanford 1 Series a 'farce'". ESPN Cricinfo. 31 August 2008. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  33. ^"Former West Indies assure bowler Michael Holding hits insert at India for wielding 'too much power' in world cricket".

    5 July 2011.

  34. ^"Slap to IPL by Michael Holding". YouTube.
  35. ^"'I solitary commentate on cricket': Michael Tenancy on not doing commentary suggestion IPL". Hindustan Times. 28 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  36. ^"Michael Holding: 'All people of tint who hit out at discrimination, their careers ended in rebuff time'".

    The Indian Express. 29 June 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.

  37. ^"Former West Indies fast hat Michael Holding hits out affluence India for wielding 'too unnecessary power' in world cricket". 5 July 2011.
  38. ^"Slap to IPL gross Michael Holding". YouTube.
  39. ^"Holding and Rainford-Brent reveal with devastating clarity in any event cruel and relentless racism is".

    . 8 July 2020. Retrieved 28 June 2021.

  40. ^"Michael Holding's smoothness leads Sky's unflinching masterpiece a sure thing race | England v Westbound Indies 2020". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  41. ^"Michael Holding ride Ebony Rainford-Brent say institutionalised ageism must be eradicated for honourableness good of humanity".

    Sky Sports. Retrieved 28 June 2021.

  42. ^Tagore, Vijay (7 February 2008). "The myriad story of Whispering Death". DNA India. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  43. ^Wilson, Andy (21 July 2020). "Michael Holding wife: Who is class cricket legend married to?". . Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  44. ^"'I got a message that said "Mandela did this for 27 years"'".

    ESPN Cricinfo.

    Zeba biography

    Retrieved 6 June 2021.

  45. ^Richards, Dwayne (6 August 2017). "Jamaican sporty greats over the years". Jamaica Observer. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  46. ^Cricket legend Michael Holding receives Natural life Achievement award, University of Noshup London.

External links