Meanwhile, Gabriel stated that he was never doubtful about his fitness.
West Indies' John Campbell (C) and West Indies' Jason Holder (R) take the winning run as England's Ben Stokes (L) looks on on the fifth day of the first Test cricket match between England and the West Indies at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, southwest England on July 12, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt / POOL / AFP)
West Indies skipper Jason Holder has showered praises on Shanon Gabriel, stating that what the pacer did in the first Test against England did not come as a surprise to him.
Gabriel, who was originally included as a travelling reserve, came out with a brilliant performance at the Ageas Bowl as he picked up nine for wickets for 137 runs in the match and played a major role in West Indies’ thrilling victory over England.
“What Shannon has done in this game is nothing surprising,” Holder told reporters after the end of the match on Sunday.
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“Shannon is just one of those guys who keep doing it. He has a massive, massive heart and he’s been through a lot.
“He wants success so badly. His body hasn’t held up the way he would like but to see him back out there fit and well and bowling fast for the West Indies is always a pleasing sight.
“He deserves every bit of success he’s had in this game. I’m really, really happy for Shannon, I know what he’s been through,” he added.
Holder, who himself picked up a career-best 6-42 in England’s first innings, stated that Gabriel is quite a handful when fit and healthy.
“We all know when Shannon is fit and healthy, he is a handful and he proved it in this game.”
Meanwhile, Gabriel stated that he was never doubtful about his fitness.
“I wasn’t doubtful about my fitness. I knew I would play. I knew the work that I put in would take care of itself,” Gabriel, who was adjudged the Man of the Match, said.
“I am still a bit stiff, but there are a few days to recover for the next Test match.
“The guys were confident coming here after the win in the Caribbean last year, and we knew if we prepared well, we would be able to perform,” he added.
England and West Indies will next take on each other in the second Test beginning Thursday at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
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