Holder optimistic about UAE tour despite absence of key players

Brushing aside suggestions of an unsettled West Indies squad, Test and ODI skipper Jason Holder believes his side can turn out to be a powerful force despite the absence of some key players in the upcoming series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

The Caribbean side will be without the services of swashbuckling opener Chris Gayle and all-rounder Andre Russell, who were replaced by left-hand batsman Evin Lewis and fast-bowler Kesrick Williams respectively.

Holder admitted the absence of star players is definitely a big loss for the side, but added there are certain players capable of filling that void, the Express Tribune reported.

The 24-year-old insisted West Indies are not short of personnel and that they are just lacking enough exposure to the international circuit.

While pointing out that the Caribbean side have always played a very vibrant brand of cricket, the skipper hoped that the youngsters coming in the squad have the ability to adjust to the same.

West Indies are slated to play three T20I, three-match ODI series and three-match Test series against Pakistan, beginning from September 23 at Dubai International Stadium.