“Seven months out of cricket is a long time and now I am at the point where I can play again”
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
West Indies pace bowler Kemar Roach has announced that he is determined to make his international comeback during the national team’s Test series against New Zealand at home.
Roach has been out of action for the past seven months due to injuries and was also recently involved in a car crash, which he walked away from with only minor injuries.
“I am glad to be back on the field playing for Maple and I am looking forward to representing the West Indies again as soon as possible with my focus on the Test series against New Zealand in a few weeks,” Roach told the Barbados Cricket Association’s (BCA) website. “I have really missed playing.
“Seven months out of cricket is a long time and now I am at the point where I can play again. I am very confident that once I get some more sessions in and some strength work, I will be raring to go for the first Test against New Zealand, if selected.”
Roach underwent shoulder surgery in November last year after he injured it and left midway during the national team’s tour of India.
Roach revealed that he has been working with Barbados Cricket Association coach Vasbert Drakes, West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson and his Maple team-mate Corey Collymore on getting his shoulder back in shape.
“I was working with Vasbert and also had some sessions with Ottis,” Roach said. “I was in the gym earlier in the year and then the bowling aspect of it started in April. It was basic stuff as in the rotation of the arm and the fundamentals of fast bowling.
“I practised with Maple the entire week before the game on Saturday. I was working with Corey and he helped me to get my technique back and some basic stuff about bowling. Corey watched me bowl on Saturday. He gave me some pointers on what he thought about my bowling and he told me about a few flaws that can be worked on in the next couple of weeks. It was a happy atmosphere and a very relaxed environment.”
Roach added that he was eager to play against New Zealand since they defeated the West Indies 2-0 when they last met in December.
“After our Test series against New Zealand in New Zealand in December when we were beaten 2-0, I think this one is going to be very intense because the last time they came to the Caribbean two years ago we won both Tests,” he said. “With a new captain in Denesh Ramdin, I think the guys can put in some good performances and win this series.”