Roach is eyeing more Vik-tories (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Roach is eyeing more Vik-tories

10:00am Monday 5th September 2011 in michael reeves

WHEN Kemar Roach’s agent called to ask him if he wanted to play county cricket in England, he didn’t think twice.

But when he discovered it was Worcestershire, the West Indies pace ace was a happy man.

So happy in fact, when he left Barbados on a Tuesday night he was bowling the opening over in the Hampshire game at the Rose Bowl the following morning after an eight-hour flight.

But why was the 23-year-old so pleased to be joining the New Road side?

“I’m a great fan of Vikram Solanki,” Roach said.

“He is a fine batsman — I’m glad to be here and help the team out.”

But, since arriving at the County, the fast bowler has become a fan of another Worcestershire player — Alan Richardson.

The duo have already formed a lethal opening bowling partnership. On Thursday last week they ripped apart the then LV= County Championship Division One leaders Lancashire for just 80 runs to set up a stunning 10-wicket victory in less than two days.

Roach himself took six wickets during that game, while veteran Richardson’s 6-22 added to the two he claimed in the Red Rose’s first innings.

“He’s fantastic, a great guy,” the Barbadian said.

“He knows how to bowl on these wickets very well, you learn from him as well — I’m glad that he’s on my side.”

Since stepping off the plane from the Caribbean, Roach says that he has had to quickly adapt, not only his body clock but his game too.

“This is my first time in England, it was tough at Southampton with the wet weather. I felt that I struggled a little controlling the ball at first, but I have adapted pretty quickly and I’m still learning,” he said.

Following that game at Hampshire, the pace bowler was given the August Bank Holiday weekend off before returning to prepare to dismantle Lancashire.

“I went to watch The Inbetweeners, that was a really good movie, I laughed throughout — I was pretty relaxed over that weekend off.

“Then I came in and hit my straps in the Lancashire match, the ball came out very good.

“It is a great sight seeing the stumps flying out of the ground. I just tried to let the ball go as fast as I could.

“And it was a sweet win, you wish there could be more days like that one as it doesn’t happen all the time.”

Now, following another weekend off, Roach has just one thing on his mind this week and that is helping his new club in their bid to stay in the top-flight — starting with Sussex on Wednesday.

“The plan is to stay in the First Division, we are going to play some hard cricket against Sussex this week and Durham next week,” he added.

“I believe that Worcestershire will stay up — that is what we are all working towards, starting on Wednesday.”