Former West Indies Captain Jason Holder has been named as one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year.

Holder was at the helm when West Indies toured England in the summer of 2020 and played a central role in his side’s only win over England, taking first-innings figures of 6-42. He was named alongside Zak Crawley, Mohammed Rizwan, Dominic Sibley and Darren Stevens to be honoured by what is the oldest award in cricket.

The award was first presented in 1889.

Holder, who was replaced at Windies Cricket prior to the start of the recent Sri Lanka tour of the West Indies, said he was excited to be among the five awarded and said it was the result of hard work.

“This award means so much to me. I’m delighted that my efforts to play well and make a contribution have ben bearing fruit and I just want to continue and reach higher heights,” said Holder, who has taken 123 wickets in the 47 Tests he has played for the West Indies since he made his debut  in June 2014.

“To be named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year is something truly special as over the years I have seen a list of great players who have etched their names in history. The last recipient from West Indies was Shai Hope in 2017 and after seeing his performances it inspired me to be one of the Wisden Cricketers of the future.”

CWI President Ricky Skerritt, who was returned unopposed for a second term, was delighted at the news and offered his congratulations to the former Windies captain.

“Congratulations to Jason whose all-round cricket excellence is making all West Indians proud. For such a relatively young and intelligent athlete, he should get even better,” he said.

Meanwhile, CWI’s Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams, said Holder was deserving of the recognition.

“On behalf of all of us at Cricket West Indies, I want to congratulate Jason on his being selected as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year,” Adams said.

“In a period that has thrown up many challenges, he has performed consistently with distinction and dignity both on and off the field and we wish him all the success possible going forward.”

Holder joins a long of West Indies batsman who have been singled out for praise by Wisden in their Five Cricketers of the Year.

Other West Indies players who have been named among Wisden’s Five Cricketer of the Year include such players as Marlon Samuels, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Phil Simmons, Brian Lara, Curtly Ambrose, Richie Richardson, Desmond Haynes, Jeff Dujon, Franklyn Stephenson, Courtney Walsh, Larry Gomes, Alvin Kallicharran, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, John Shepherd, Gordon Greenidge, Michael Holding, Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Keith Boyce, Roy Fredericks, Lance Gibbs, Clive Lloyd, Basil Butcher and Seymour Nurse.

While, the award usually goes to players who have performed at a high level in country cricket others were selected for the achievements in international cricket.