“Executing our plans is key for beating England” – Roach

West Indies Test tour to England…

By Brandon Corlette

As leader of the West Indies pace attack, Kemar Roach believes that once the men in maroon stick to their plans and execute same well, there is a real possibility they could beat England in their own backyard and retain the Wisden Trophy.

In a press conference held virtually on Sunday, Roach explained that adapting to COVID-19 measures has been the biggest challenge for the team, but the focus in now on cricket as the first Test looms on July 8.
The Barbadian speedster, who enjoys playing in England, believes that working hard and being consistent is a necessity. With the use of saliva being prohibited, fast bowlers will encounter challenges, and speaking on that factor, Roach said the following.
“It’s pretty tough. We had some net sessions here and the atmosphere is chilly, hence there is not much sweat you can produce, so we are coming up with some ways to get more gloss on the ball.”

In the West Indies’ thumping series win over England last year in the Caribbean the bowling had stood out, and this had been evident in the West Indies’ past few Test series; thus Roach believes there is no pressure from expectations being high that the bowlers would perform at their best.

“I think we have fantastic bowling plans to have Shannon (Gabriel) back in the squad. Hopefully, he can prove his fitness and work himself way into the Test side. I am looking forward to learning and trying to teach as well,” Roach posited.
With some young and talented fast bowlers who are coming through the ranks being on this tour, Roach has credited this development to the Caribbean pitches, which he believes have improved in recent times.
“The curators have done a fantastic job in preparing bouncy and greener pitches, so it breathes more fast bowlers. We always had a history of fast bowlers, but we just needed a pitch to bowl on; so, cudos to the curators back home,” he said.
Roach feels that once the pacers put in the work, greater days are ahead. West Indies had shown great pace and hostility in the Caribbean when England visited. With conditions favouring swing in what Roach describes as “pacers paradise,” the modus operandi will be adjusted.
“Our mode of attack wouldn’t change a lot, but we saw them (England batsmen) in the Caribbean, so that will be fresh on our minds,” Roach highlighted.
Now 31 years old and seven wickets away from a career- defining 200 Test scalps, Roach has been working hard, and remains focused on putting in some great performances for the West Indies on tour.
With the menacing Jofra Archer in the England team, Roach is looking forward to this battle between pacers with Barbadian roots.
This three-Test series between England and the West Indies is set to be played without spectators in the stands, and Roach believes this creates a more level playing field, since England will be without their strong home support.
Roach who, with figures of 5-17, began the wrecking job in the Caribbean when West Indies won the Wisden Trophy, had rated that series win as the highlight of his career. “We have moved on from that, but now it’s time for us to repeat that performance,” Roach added.