Dhaka, Bangladesh – West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach spoke to the local and international media on Wednesday at the Shere-e-Bangla Stadium and the question on everyone lips was how could a small man bowl so fast.
Kemar Roach ready to have a go at Bangladesh. Photo courtesy of windiescricket.com
Roach, who stands just five-feet-eight-inches and weighs less than 180 lbs is not what many term “the ideal fast bowler”. He ambles up to the wicket, but has the ability to generate pace with a quick arm-action. He generates pace of over 150 mph.
The 22-year-old however indicated that he is not concentrating on bowling fast. He said his main goal is to take more wickets in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and help the West Indies win matches and advance in the tournament.
“I am not really concentrating on the pace at this stage. The pace is there but what I really want to work on is my rhythm and my direction. I am looking to swing the ball, get some to reverse swing and to work on my yorkers. I am looking to get more and more wickets and help us to win matches. I have set my goals and one of them is to help us do very well in this tournament. I would like to get some more wickets for the West Indies and create some more history,” Roach said.
On Monday night Roach entered the record books when he took a superb hat-trick against Netherlands, making him the first West Indian to achieve the feat in a World Cup match. He ended with career-best figures of 6 for 27. His next aim is to repeat that performance against Bangladesh on Friday night when the two teams meet.
“Friday night’s match will be very important for us and we know what is required. We are going to go out and give it our all. Everyone wants to do well, but we will be looking to get the batter of them. They have a good team and will present a challenge. Everyone has a role in the team and everyone knows his role. We have our plans in place and we plan to bring our A-game.”
He added: “A fast bowler can bowl fast anywhere. Obviously you know (Lasith) Malinga bowled lovely yesterday against Kenya and Mitchell Johnson also got wickets for Australia. I also want my name to be there as well. The pitches here are not ideal for the fast bowlers, so we have to put in the extra effort and that’s what international cricket is all about.”