Lehmann Academy doing Holder good

Article by Ezra Stuart

Promising young Barbadian fast bowler Chemar Holder credits a developmental stint Down Under with improving his cricket and overall growth.

Holder, who helped the West Indies Under-19 team to win the 50-over Youth World Cup in Bangladesh last year, has been in Australia for the past month, at the high-profile Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy (DLCA).

“It’s a great experience to be here in Australia, furthermore to be a part of the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy. So far it has been a good journey here in Adelaide,” Holder said in the Academy’s November newsletter.

“Here at the DLCA, I have learnt a lot in four weeks so far, not only about my game but my mental and physical well-being,” he noted.

The former St Leonard’s schoolboy, who plays for Sagicor Life UWI locally, is among talented emerging cricketers from England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, Canada and host country Australia enrolled at the academy, which is now in its 12th year.

“I would say this opportunity has helped me to understand myself more and made me think a lot about life and becoming a man for the future. It also helps you to make decisions and be confident with the decision that you make.

“So far, being here, I have improved my understanding of the game, fitness and interacting with people from all over the world,” he said.

Holder, who captured 21 wickets at an average of 16.57 in six matches for UWI in the Elite Division before his departure, also has some advice for budding players.

“I would encourage any young cricketer who is looking to improve their game to come to the DLCA,” he stated.

Holder plays for the Port Adelaide District Cricket Club on weekends as part of his training at the academy.

Playing in a recent A Grade match against Kensington, Holder came to the crease with his team requiring 32 for victory and guided them home with a knock of 18 not out.

England players Jason Roy, Scott Borthwick and Sam Billings also represented Port Adelaide District during their stints at the academy. (EZS)