WEST Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach insists he is up for the challenge of trying to take wickets on Bangladesh’s pitches, though the surfaces are more suited to spin bowling.
Despite the presence of several spinners in the squad, the 32-year-old is expected to lead the West Indies bowling line, along with fellow speed bowlers Shannon Gabriel and Alzarri Joseph. If the supremacy of spinners in the One Day International series on pitches that offered very little help to speed bowlers is anything to go by, their work will surely be cut out.
Having been to Bangladesh on two previous Test series, Roach would know firsthand what it takes to succeed on spin-friendly land.
In 2011, he claimed 0 for 52 off 9 overs and 1 for 49 off 13.2 overs in the second Test of the series. When he returned in 2018, he claimed 1 for 74 off 18 overs in the first Test and 2 for 61 in 25 overs as Bangladesh made a mammoth 500 in the second Test.
“He generally favors spinners but I think there’s plenty for fast bowlers to get something too. It’s just about getting your plans, acting and being disciplined, ”Roach told members of the media through a Bangladesh press conference yesterday.
“It’s going to be difficult, we know we have to bow many more balls to get our rewards but once you’re ready to put in the work you can get some rewards over here … so its going to be tough but i’m up for the fight. ”
The Windies have had success recently with fast bowling in Bangladesh with Tino Best claiming a draw in 2012 and Fidel Edwards claiming 8 wickets in the 2011 series. (Sportsmax)