West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach bowled his heart out to earn the Man-of-the-Series award in the just concluded three-match rubber against Sri Lanka.
The Test series, which was heavily hit by rain, ended on Sunday when the third Test was declared a draw.
Roach collected 10 wickets at 24.5 runs each to be the highest wicket taker for the West Indies. His best figures were 5 for 100 in the second Test.
Speaking on Sunday, Roach said he was happy with his personal performance and was also delighted the Windies played unbeaten in the series away from home.
"I feel really good to come here to Sri Lanka and get the Man-of-the-Series award. I’m proud of my achievement. I put in the hard work and I always tried to challenge the techniques of the Sri Lankan batsmen," Roach said.
"The pitches here are very tough for fast bowling so I was really happy I came away with something to show. As the main fast bowler in the team I knew I had a lot of work to do so I adapted mentally and physically to the job I was asked to do. Test cricket is very tough. The batsmen are a very high class and they know how to score runs. Fitness is also a key aspect. I know once I stay fit and strong I will always give myself a better chance of performing."
Roach added:"It was good that I could help the team to earn a draw in the series. Coming to Sri Lanka and holding our own and earning a draw is a massive achievement of us as a team."
The 22 year-old says he still has a lot to learn. In his career so far Roach has played 10 Tests and has 36 wickets at an average of 28.25.
"I still have a lot to learn. I will keep talking to the coach and the captain and try to improve my game as much as possible. I have not played cricket in all the Test-playing nations so I’m still inexperienced when it comes to world cricket. I will continue to ask questions and try to learn as much as I can. I want to take my game to higher heights."