SYDNEY, Australia, CMC – Fast bowler Kemar Roach is looking to use the upcoming ICC World Cup to prove he is back to full fitness and form, after recovering from an ankle injury which ruled him out of the Test series against South Africa last December.
The right-armer limped out of the first Test at Centurion on the first day after twisting his ankle and took no further part in the series.
Included in the World Cup squad, Roach said he was feeling back to full strength and looking to make his mark.
“I’m feeling fine. I’m coming back from an injury with my ankle but I’ve done all the rehab I needed to do to get back here,” he said.
“Right now the practice sessions are going well and my body is feeling well so I’m going to put my best foot forward and win some games for the West Indies.”
After returning to his homeland Barbados last December, Roach worked closely with key fitness personnel including Morita Marshall, Rene Best and Jacqui King, to get his rehabilitation on track.
He focussed primarily on strength training and finding proper balance at the crease on delivery, and credited the physiotherapy team for his seamless recovery.
“Their work obviously got me back here fit and ready to play the World Cup for West Indies,” he stressed.
Roach will help to spearhead a West Indies seam attack that includes fellow new ball bowler Jerome Taylor, left-armer Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Russell and Darren Sammy.
During the last World Cup in India, Roach starred when he picked up a hat-trick as West Indies crushed Netherlands. This time around, however, Roach said he was just aiming to play his role in the attack.
“Definitely a hat-trick would be nice this World Cup but it is just about me doing my part, playing my role,” he explained.
“As one of the fast bowlers in the team it will be hard for us in these conditions … but I think one you go out there, put your best foot forward, do your skills best you can you should come out on top.
He continued: “I see myself as a member of the bowling group. All of us have to play our role and when we have the ball in our hands we must lead … and do the things we have been practicing in the nets.”
West Indies arrived here a week ago to begin preparation for their Group B campaign which sees them take on defending champions India, Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe.
Roach said there was currently a good mood in the camp and he hoped his teammates could translate this into major success at the World Cup.
“It’s a very good environment to be in right now, the dressing room and everyone is in good spirits so it makes even easier for you,” he pointed out.
“We just have to get the mental side right – the physical side is fine. We just have to get our minds right for this very tough tournament. We’ll definitely go out there to win some games and hopefully bring home the cup.”
He added: “For me I haven’t won any major tournaments for West Indies ever so for me, to be able to win this World Cup would be the biggest highlight of my career. I’m looking forward to it, I’m putting in the work. I would love to [lift the cup] at the end of March and bring some joy and hope back to the Caribbean.”
