Heroes: Michael Holding

In a sad week for cricket perhaps the most touching moment was provided by the great former West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding.

As the full impact of the spot-fixing allegations became clear and more so that of Mohammad Aamer's supposed involvement, the Sky Sports commentary team discussed the implications for Pakistan and cricket in general. But Holding could only think of Aamer. Having obviously been captivated by the sheer talent, enjoyment of the game and mastery that such a young bowler had exhibited all summer, the emotion was too much for Holding and he lost it for a moment. Given the "hang 'em high" views of many other (mostly non-cricket) commentators this week, it was refreshing to see how much Holding cared.

Having been a fearsome fast bowler for the great West Indian side of the late 1970s and 1980s, we grew up with Holding. He may have terrorised and outclassed England's batsmen throughout his career, but we always admired his effortless and graceful style as he ran into the wicket. Allied to his sheer pace, it is no wonder that Holding acquired the 'Whispering Death' nickname.

Funnily enough, being too young to have witnessed his 14 for 149 at The Oval in 1976 and despite his 249 test wickets at under 24, one of our most vivid memories of Holding is as a batsman. He only made 12 not out at Old Trafford in 1984, but he was at the other end from perhaps the greatest one day innings of them all as Viv Richards smashed an unbeaten 189 as the last wicket pair added 106 in the last 14 overs.

Holding has taken the effortless style and class from his playing days into the commentary box where his wonderful Jamaican drawl and incisive comments have continually shone amongst the sometimes bland words of his colleagues.

Michael Holding was already a Reverse Sweep hero, but his compassion for a young lad who seems to have been led astray by others just topped things off for us. 

Comments

[Seismicshed]

Yes. Absolutely.

[half-tracker]

Really nice tribute to Holding, rightfully listed as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, and now as a commentator he is one of the best, too.

[AndieRae]

Hmm. I am fortunately old enough to have witnessed Holding in his prime. His duffing up of poor (old) Brian Close, I think at Old Trafford, remains one of the most terrifying assaults on a batsman I have ever witnessed. No helmets in those days of course.

[Pete Smith]

also a star of one of the classic cricket commentaries ''the batsman's Holding the bowler's Willey''

[The Reverse Sweep]

... anever to be forgotten piece of commentary, Pete!