It’s all about winning and playing hard Cricket: Kemar Roach on upcoming series against England
West Indies speedster Kemar Roach claimed that there will be no friendships with England fast bowler Jofra Archer in the upcoming Test series between the two countries, as the West Indies look to play hard Cricket and win.
Archer, born in Barbados, decided to represent England on the international arena, after plying his trade for county side Sussex for several seasons. He has become a regular for them across the three formats in recent times. He also played a pivotal role in helping them win their maiden World Cup at home last year.
Roach told the Daily Mail, “Jofra made his decision and he’s done a fantastic job for England so far but there will be no friendships during this series. It’s all about winning and playing hard cricket. We will devise a plan for our batsmen to counter him and I’m looking forward to that battle. I saw him as a youngster in domestic cricket back home in Barbados and always thought he was talented. He has come over here and shown what he can do and I want to wish him all the best in his career. But you will definitely see if we have any words for him on the field when that comes around.”
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Roach is the highest wicket-taker for West Indies in Tests against England since 22010.He has taken 42 Test wickets against England at an average of 26.59 and a strike-rate of 48.50. These includes two 5-wicket hauls as well.
In the previous edition of the Wisden Trophy, West Indies emerged triumphant over England played in the Caribbean Islands. A draw in the series would be enough for them to retain the title.
Coach Phil Simmons had earlier said that playing behind closed doors could help the visitors in the series considering lack of vociferous home support across the venues.
In a video conference from the team’s training base, Simmons said, “I don’t know if it will increase our chances, because both teams are under the same umbrella, for want of a better word. The nice part for us is that 20,000 Englishmen raving for England, and that crowd support, it’s not there for them. So that in a way will help us, so it”s good from that point of view.”
The first Test is scheduled to begin from the 8th of July at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton with the second and third matches at Old Trafford in Manchester from the 16th of July and the 24th of July.