Great expectations as Roach returns to boost Bajans

Barbados coach Hendy Springer is hoping the return of fast bowler Kemar Roach will have a major impact for his side when they face the Windward Islands in the all-important semi-final of the WICB Regional 4 Day Championship.

The impressive fast bowler is said to fired up for the crucial encounter, which bowls off on Thursday at Windsor Park in Dominica. First ball is 10 am (9 am Jamaica Time). The other semi-final will be between defending champions Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago at Sabina Park. First ball is 10 am (11 am Eastern Caribbean Time).

"He brings experience to the team, having played the game at the highest level all over the world and having also played at this venue recently in the Test series against Zimbabwe. He will be familiar with the conditions here and we will be banking on his experience and knowledge when we take the field," Springer said.

"A lot of our guys have not played here before so the experience of players such as Roach will be vital. He’s also one of the best fast bowlers in the world at the moment so we expect him to make a major impact on the game as well."

Roach has been outstanding in the longest format of the game and he is the highest placed West Indies bowler in the ICC Test Match bowling rankings at Number 13. He comes into a Bajan bowling attack which has been impressive all season.

Off-spinner Ashley Nurse is the team’s leading wicket-taker with 30 wickets while Miguel Cummins, the lanky new ball bowler, is the tournament’s leading fast bowler with 26 wickets at just under 16 runs apiece. Experienced left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn has chimed in with 18 wickets in his three appearances.

The Bajans arrived in Roseau on Monday but were unable to use the nets due to heavy rain all across the Nature Isle.

"We didn’t get a full training session on Tuesday due to the weather, but we still had a run around and got a feel of the conditions. We are now at the semi-final stage and we see this as a different season altogether. We had some experiences in the first round where we finished third in the standings and we will look to make a ‘fresh start’," Springer added.

"They (Windwards) will be buoyant having won the 50-over competition, so we will look to combat that by executing our plans."

Barbados’ batting has been inconsistent, but opener Kraigg Brathwaite has stood out with 440 runs at 55 runs per innings. His career-best 165 against the Leewards is the highest score of the tournament so far.

"Kraigg has been good and is always focused on what he has to do. He is playing well and we hope he continues to do the job at the top for us. Every player has roles and responsibilities in the team and we expect everyone to show that fight which will be required. I believe this will be the kind of game where the team that bats better will come out on top," the coach said.