Jason Holder will be sidelined for the third Test against England in St Lucia

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

West Indies skipper Jason Holder will miss the third Test against England in St Lucia after the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended him for maintaining a slow over-rate.

The West Indies had a slow over-rate in their victory over England in the second Test in Antigua and Holder, as captain, has to bear the punishment for it.

Holder’s absence will be a big blow for the West Indies as he has had a major impact with both the bat and ball.

The 27-year-old struck a career-best 202 not out in the first Test in Barbados and has taken seven wickets at an average of 17.85.

It has been confirmed that vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite will stand in as captain, while pace bowler Keemo Paul will take Holder’s spot in the side.

It has also been reported that 21-year-old Oshane Thomas could be picked for the third Test.

Thomas has featured in four ODIs and six Twenty20 Internationals for the West Indies, but has yet to make his Test debut.

The West Indies’ 10-wicket win in Antigua gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead, and they will now be looking to complete a 3-0 whitewash in the third Test, which begins on February 9.