BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – West Indies speedster Kemar Roach has labelled today’s third One-Day International against Pakistan as a must-win match in the series.
The Caribbean side trail 0-2 after back-to-back losses in St Lucia and need to win the encounter at Kensington Oval to stay alive in the five-match series.
“This is a big match in the series – a crucial match. We know we need a win and we will be coming out to play hard,” said Roach, who will be playing before his home crowd.
“We have fallen behind two-nil, so here is the time to get things right and get a win and stay in the series.”
The 22-year-old Roach has played 23 ODIs since his debut three years ago and has emerged as the spearhead of the attack in recent times.
Without a wicket in the doubleheader in St Lucia, Roach said he would be hunting success at a familiar hunting ground.
“It’s always good to play at home in very familiar conditions. I’m looking to hit my ‘areas’ and look to make inroads into the batting. I always look for early wickets with the new ball and that always puts pressure on the batsmen to come,” the right-armer said.
“The pitch in St Lucia was a bit on the slow side and it was a bit flat. Kensington is usually somewhat faster and offers more to my type of bowling so I will be looking for better returns.
“You still have to work hard, there are no half measures. Cricket at this level is never easy so we know we have to keep working hard to reap success.”
Roach, who can get up to speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, has taken 39 one-day wickets and 36 wickets in 10 Tests.
West Indies and Pakistan will clash in the fourth ODI next Monday before moving on to Guyana for the final match on May 5.
