Barbados Today

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Cricket West Indies president, Dave Cameron, believes the time has come to “modify” the ICC’s controversial overrate rule, in the wake of the suspension of West Indies captain, Jason Holder, for next weekend’s third Test against England.

Weighing in on the debate after the ICC attracted a firestorm of criticism over their decision, Cameron said he hoped the move would not overshadow an otherwise outstanding performance by the West Indies side.

“We will, of course, abide by the ICC ruling, but we have to wonder if such punitive action at a pivotal stage of the series is good for cricket,” Cameron said in a statement.

“What a shame if the series is remembered not for the sparkling play of the reinvigorated West Indies players but for a crippling decision made by a rule that ought to be modified.”

West Indies crushed England by 10 wickets inside three days of the second Test here last weekend, to take a winning 2-0 lead in the three-Test series and reclaim the Wisden Trophy for the first time in a decade.

However, match referee Jeff Crowe adjudged the hosts to be two overs short of their quota, leading to 20 per cent fines for the Windies players and a 40 per cent fine for Holder, as skipper.

The all-rounder was also slapped with a one-match suspension as the over-rate breach was West Indies’ second in 12 months.

Cameron advised Holder to use the break to recuperate for the pending five-match One-Day International series.

“Jason now has the opportunity to benefit from resting his body over the period of the next test and be well prepared for the upcoming ODI series against England which begins on February 20,” Cameron said.

Holder has been the driving force behind West Indies in the series. His unbeaten maiden double hundred propelled them to a massive 381-run win in the opening Test in Bridgetown two weeks ago, and an inspired spell of seam bowling in the second innings of the second Test helped them seal the series win last Saturday.