Roach: Attacking with field key for Test success

Setting an attacking field will be key to the success of the West Indies team currently preparing to start their series against Bangladesh.

This was the view of fast bowler Kemar Roach who will be one of the senior pacers leading the West Indies’ attack when the Test matches begin on next month.

Roach, who made his debut against Bangladesh, believes that the West Indies’ fast bowlers still have an important role to play, despite many who feel the conditions will favour the spinners.

He gave an insight into what some of the important factors will be to help out the bowling unit. “The fast bowlers will have to try and bowl a bit straighter… put the ball in a good area, attack the stumps as much as possible,” all this married with setting a good field will help in achieving their goal.

It appears that the team all have the same plan in mind as Roach echoed the sentiments of West Indies players who have been previously interviewed such as the West Indies Test and One-Day International (ODI) captains, Kraigg Brathwaite and Jason Mohammed, as well as Head Coach Phil Simmons.

All have highlighted that planning and execution will be high priority for the success of the team.

“We have been planning well and we know what we want to do. Things are in motion and we are looking forward to the series,” said Roach.

The Test series will come on the back of the ODI series, which is set to bowl off on January 20 in Dhaka. One player who is keen on making his debut is all-rounder Kyle Mayers, who made his debut in the T20 team last year in New Zealand.

With the opportunity to also make his debut in the ODI team in a few days, Mayers said it would be a childhood dream coming to life.

“Growing up as a child it was always my dream to represent the West Indies and being given the honour would be very special.”

Mayers represented the West Indies at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2012 and the 28-year-old believes that his batting will be the biggest asset to the West Indies line-up, though admitting that the current bowling line-up is a little inexperienced.

However, Mayers pointed out that the team is accustomed to playing with each other and expects them to do well as it is a great opportunity for the younger players to try to cement themselves for the next series.

As for him, he will be putting his best foot forward and be the best he can be. (CG)