Kingstown, St Vincent — Kemar Roach is pleased with his very good bowling performances against Australia so far as he kicked off the Digicel One-Day International Series. Roach, the out-and-out speedster used in the Windies attack for the first two Digicel ODIs, caused problems for the Aussies with the new ball in both matches and has so far captured four wickets at an average of 14 runs per wicket.
He was accurate with 10-1-33-2 in Friday’s defeat and turned in an even better display of 8-3-23-2 in the second match on Sunday as the Windies won by five wickets in front a capacity crowd of over 12,000. It was the West Indies first win in an ODI over the visitors since 2006, and 18th victory in 22 ODIs at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground.
Roach said he is feeling "fit and healthy" and his rhythm and pace are good. "I have been handed the new ball and that means and I have been given the responsibility of getting those early wickets. The team is always counting on me and really backing me and it feels good to go out, get the new ball in my hand, and help to set back the opposition.
"With a good new ball start, the other bowlers can come on in the middle overs and peg back the Australia. Sunny (Sunil Narine) and the others have been bowling really well for the team and I’m happy to play my part with the new ball and also to come back in the ‘death’ overs."
Roach added: "I’m feeling fit and healthy and my rhythm is consistent. I’m up on pace. Most important, is that I’m accurate and I’m managing to get the ball in the areas to cause problems to the batsmen."
The 23-year-old said he has worked out a formula to bowl on the pitches at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground. He made his Test match debut at the ground back in 2009 and took five wickets in that match.
"I have grown to understand how the pitches here play and what you need to do as a fast bowler. I have played here a few times before and I know what to expect. The pitch is not that quick…it is quite easy for me to make an early assessment of the surface and look to work from there. The keep is accuracy, bowling wicket-to-wicket, and look to force the batsman into error," Roach said.
The West Indies will be looking to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Digicel Series when the third Digicel ODI is played at the same venue on Tuesday. First ball is 9.30 am (8.30 am Jamaica Time). The day has been given as a Public Holiday and another large crowd is expected at the picturesque venue.
"We have some areas to brush up on, but once the confidence continues to ‘roll’ in the team I believe we will do very well in this series. We have shown that we can win and now the aim is to repeat the performance," Roach said.
"Playing against Australia is not easy, it is a very tough test, a true test of your skills, but we have a group of players who are playing for each other and who have the full support of each other. The next match is another opportunity to get it right in all departments. The support from the crowd (on Sunday) was superb and we anticipate another good turnout of supporters as we look to go 2-1 up as we head to St Lucia."
Match schedule for Digicel ODI Series
Friday, 16 March – 1st Digicel ODI: Australia won by 64 runs
Sunday, 18 March – 2nd Digicel ODI: West Indies won by 5 wickets
Tuesday, 20 March – 3rd Digicel ODI at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, St. Vincent
Friday, 23 March – 4th Digicel ODI at Beausejour Cricket Ground, St. Lucia
Sunday, 25 March – 5th Digicel ODI at Beausejour Cricket Ground, St. Lucia