Captain Jason Holder lauded the performance of fast bowler Oshane Thomas, who impressed in Friday’s seven-wicket World Cup victory over Pakistan at Trent Bridge.

Thomas delivered a telling ODI five-wicket haul against England in Gros Islet in early May – and gathered four for 27 in victory over the Pakistanis in Nottingham.

‘He’s been excellent. The last game he got five wickets and then he comes and follows it up with four wickets here. It was great to see him running in and bowling fast,’ said Holder.

‘That’s one thing we ask of him, just to be aggressive in those middle overs, as I said before. He’s working out quite nicely for us. It’s just a matter for us to be consistent with it, and at times not get carried away with it in terms of overdoing it.

‘But yeah, credit to him. He’s been outstanding so far, and he’s definitely created a buzz throughout the entire team.’

Seamer Andre Russell was also key to triumph in Nottingham – and removed opener Fakhar Zaman and middle-order batsman Haris Sohail amid a string of short deliveries.

‘Andre led the way, bowling aggressive and fast. The Pakistani guys didn’t like it. So I just picked up where he left off really – the rules allow two short balls every over, so use them,’ added Thomas, who was named Player of the Match.

‘The guys were sitting back. Russell was bowling short so I think the short ball – we had a good plan and executed well. It’s a good move going forward for us.’

England will host Pakistan on Monday, while the West Indies will meet Australia on Thursday. Both matches will be played in Nottingham.

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