What holds Michael Holding in the minds of those who listen - Opinion
Cricket has never been served by better commentators. The effusive, erratic and rather entertaining commentary of Bill Lawry has infused life into the game; whereas http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RD-Shah-c2298 Shastri’s erudite analysis has helped many understand the dynamics of cricket in South
Asia. Yet one man who journeyed from being one of the fastest bowlers on earth, to one of the most revered personalities in the commentary box, definitely holds all the praise. He might have a few critics but his detractors are almost nonexistent.
With his distinct Jamaican lexicon and penchant for analyzing cricket to the core, Michael Holding has been arguably, the finest commentator that the game has ever seen. Since he joined Sky sports after his retirement, Holding’s pre-match, post match and
on field analysis has awed his counterparts and at the same time helped his average cricket follower understand the game in its true essence. His ability to craft justifications, with concrete evidence and lace them into a comprehensive package is commendable
to say the least. Whenever a game of cricket is being played and the bowlers are having a fine spell, the commentary box is always buzzing with Holding’s constant input on field settings and how the ball would or could deviate off the seam. Analysis on batting
may not be his stronger suit, but Holding has the ability to describe cricket shots which makes even the best batting analysts revisit their thinking caps.
What Holding uses to his advantage is his on field experience. He was an integral part of the pace quartet of the West Indies, which included the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Malcolm-Denzil-Marshall-c73986 and himself. His experience with bowling to some of the
most dogged batsman such as Geoff Boycott or aggressors such as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Imran-Khan-c64237 has helped Holding come up with distinct possibilities on the field that many of us could not imagine.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, who had significant knowledge about the game, yet his lack of eloquence
almost always bored his viewers. Holding on the other hand has managed to use his articulacy to perfection over the years, where even recalling events such as the 1981 encounter with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Geoffrey-Boycott-c58776 would be fascinating to hear and learn from.
He commands a lot of respect as well and due to a number of reasons. Along with his persuasive nature, Holding always focuses on events on the field only. Unlike Australian http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Dean-Mervyn-Jones-c53391, who managed to court controversy over Hashim Amla’s catch, or Englishman
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Robert-George-Dylan-Willis-c85805 who managed to castigate Saeed Ajmal’s action, Holding’s harshness is reserved for where it needs to be delivered.
Despite being Jamaican himself for example, Holding’s analysis almost always censures his native West Indian side, where a few misfields and rash shots never go by without a virulent comment or two. Similarly, when the entire world was fuming over http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755
pace sensation Mohammad Amir’s spot fixing scandal, Holding broke into tears in an interview, as he believed that this player ruined himself and his bright career. He has also been highly critical about unfortunate events such as ball tampering or forfeiting
test matches, which he considers to be against the spirit of the game.
The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 has produced some memorable cricketers who continue to take their legacy forward in the commentary box. Michael Holding however is the finest product, where he acts as a complete and comprehensive package in many ways. Shastri and Lawry may
be erudite and eccentric, but Holding’s unparalleled class when he speaks, stands out to the ears of those who listen to him whether a county match is being played or the Ashes are taking place.
Disclaimer: Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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