Published: Jan 25, 2019, 10:21 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 25, 2019, 10:21 AM (IST)
After razing England for 77 with an astounding spell of 5/17, fast bowler Kemar Roach has revealed that West Indies were wary of batting last on a “tough” Kensington Oval surface.
Roach combined with fellow quicks Jason Holder, Shannon Gabriel and Alzarri Joseph to bowl out England for their fourth-lowest total against West Indies on day two of the first Test to claim a lead of 212. and after the demolition job the skipper decided not to enforce the follow-on because of the nature of the pitch.
By stumps, West Indies were 127/6 – at one stage reduced to 61/5 – to claim a massive lead of 339. (SCORECARD: WEST INDIES vs ENGLAND, 1st TEST)
“There was – but the aim was not bat last on the pitch,” Roach told Sky Cricket when asked whether Holder had pondered putting England back in. “The pitch has toughened up a bit for the batsmen. It is is a bit jumpy, uneven – some balls are keeping low, some balls are jumping. Three hundred runs is going to be tough for the English if we can get the ball in the right areas. That’s the plan going forward.” (ALSO READ: Roach puts West Indies on top against England on 18-wicket day)
Roach, 30, led West Indies’ stunning display by dismissing Rory Burns, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali and Jos Buttler in the span of 27 balls after lunch.
“The aim was to make batsmen play as much as possible and obviously you can create some chances. It’s important to bring them forward,” he said.”I have felt better but the ball came out of my hand pretty well. I am happy with the performance and to restrict England to as low as possible. I was ready to go at any time for the team.”
