Michael Holding being considered for the role of bowling consultant for Baroda cricket

Michael Holding

Having been requested by the Baroda Cricket Association to coach their pace bowlers in April this year, the former West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding expressed his willingness to join the club despite being busy with his professional commitments spread across four continents.

"I was asked by Anshuman (Gaikwad) if I could come and do some coaching in Baroda over an extended period, I couldn't do the stretch that they wanted because of my already committed obligations. I have told them when I would be available and for what period of time so I am now waiting to hear back from them if it's acceptable,” Holding told ESPNcricinfo.

The former Indian batsman Anshuman Gaekwad, who is the current secretary of the BCA cricket committee was keen in getting him even though he could spare only a maximum of nine weeks where the BCA wants him to turn up for a period of four months spread across the year.

"He wrote back saying he would be free for about six weeks only in April and May and one or two weeks later in the year around October - November which clashes with the domestic season, his availability is little too less, but it would be still worth having him,” Gaekwad said regarding the reply from Holding when he contacted the Jamaican, who currently has ties with various television broadcasters around the world as a commentator.

"I am still very keen on getting him. He is a hard task master and doesn’t mince his words, which I like. It would be a big bonus to have him here working with our youngsters. With his guidance it would go a long way for our bowlers," the former Indian opener expressed his enthusiasm to have Holding in the club and said that the proceedings are likely to happen as early as possible.

Nicknamed "Whispering Death" by umpires due to his quiet approach to the bowling crease, Holding captured 249 wickets in 60 Test matches and 142 in 102 ODIs is now going through a highly busy schedule as a TV commentator and has commitments in four countries, including the West Indies where a tournament is named after him.

Baroda hasn’t had success in domestic cricket lately, finishing fourth in Group B and failing to qualify for the Ranji Trophy knockouts in the 2013-14 season.