India match must-win for Windies: Holder

Perth, March 5 (IANS) West Indies captain Jason Holder has labelled Friday's World Cup Pool B encounter against defending champions India as a must-win match.

The two-time former champions are in a precarious position going in to Friday's game, having won two and lost two from their four outings so far. A win against India here will put the Caribbean side on course for the knockouts while a loss will put them in more than a spot of bother.

"They have good players who are in form. Virat has been phenomenal for them over the last few years. They have Shikhar Dhawan who has been in some form and then you have players like Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni," the 23-year-old was quoted as saying by bcci.tv.

"But cricket is played on a day and I back my bowlers to execute their plans, putting them back and setting them on the back foot. We have planned for them and are just looking to execute our plans tomorrow."

The all-rounder backed his batsmen to come good against the Indian attack, which has been the most economical in the World Cup so far.

"We have got quality batsmen. We have got in excess of 300 on three or four occasions. Each game somebody has stepped up and taken the onus on themselves. We have Marlon Samuels who has done a good job and Jonathan Carter who is coming into his own," said the Barbadian.

"On the whole, it is important that we beat India first and move into our last preliminary game against UAE."

Talking about the WACA wicket, which is renowned for being fast and bouncy, Holder said he enjoys bowling at Perth.

“Traditionally the WACA has presented a lot of bumps and pits. I have played here before and enjoyed the conditions. I am sure tomorrow will be no exception. Having said that, you still have to use the conditions in your favour. It is important that you hit the good areas,” said Holder.