Much of the focus on Australia's tour of West Indies for the Test series has been around Shivnarine Chanderpaul's exclusion from the national team.
But it is time to keep such things at bay, with Australia set to face West Indies in the two-Test series. The first Test starts on Wednesday at Windsor Park Stadium in Dominica and the second Test on 11 June at Sabina Park, Jamaica. West Indies all rounder Jason Holder just wants to focus on cricket and outperform the Australians.
"The exclusion of Shiv has caused a lot of talk. That's beyond me at this present time, my focus right now is on cricket," Jamaica Observer quoted Jason Holder as saying. "It's quite important we put cricket first and try to perform well against Australia."
With a formidable opponent like Australia, they should not allow external factors to disturb their performance on the field.
The Aussies have a well balanced batting side and an impressive bowling line-up, which can win them matches easily.
With bowlers such as Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazlewood, and batsmen such as David Warner, Michael Clarke, Steve Smith, there are reasons for West Indies to fear Australia.
While acknowledging the strength of the Australian side, the West Indies team have their set their eyes on a series win. "We have to give them the respect they're due but obviously we're coming to compete and win this series," Holder said.
The Australians have always been one of the strongest teams in world cricket, irrespective of the opponent or venue. They have all the ammunitions at their disposal to defeat teams away as well. The Australians are known for their aggressive brand of cricket and West Indies are also expected to respond with a similar approach.
"We'll be coming in quite hard at them. (We're) looking to be aggressive and at least continue the rich vein of form we had in the England series," said Holder.
The series is a crucial one for West Indies as they are struggling at the eighth position of the ICC standings table. A victory against the Aussies can help them earn some important points in the ICC rankings.
Meanwhile, the Aussies lie at the second position of the standings table. It talks volumes about the quality of the Aussies squad, which has played consistent cricket all year round.
"They're ranked number two in the world and that says a lot. We're currently down at eight and we need to work our way up," added Holder.
