West Indies’ experienced fast bowler, Kemar Roach, has high expectations for his teammate, Shamar Joseph, a 24-year-old emerging paceman on the team in Brisbane, Australia.
Roach: Joseph has the potential to be a great bowler
Before the commencement of the second test, which is a day-night match and will start on Thursday at the Gabba in Brisbane, the 35-year-old Roach has achieved a total of 267 wickets in tests. As a result, he is currently ranked fifth on the all-time list for West Indies.
During his initial test tour in 2009, Roach delivered a powerful bouncer that struck Ricky Ponting’s elbow and caused him to leave the match due to injury.
Last week in the first test in Adelaide, Joseph had an impressive debut by taking 5-94, which included dismissing Steve Smith with his very first ball. Australia emerged victorious in the first test, winning by 10 wickets in just two and a half days.
During an Australian training session on Wednesday, Smith expressed his admiration for Joseph.
Smith mentioned that he was unsure about what to anticipate when facing Shamar’s first ball. However, he acknowledged that being dismissed by new bowlers in the past was not uncommon for him. Smith complimented Shamar’s skills, including his decent pace, advantageous angles on the crease, and ability to deliver a straight delivery down the line that poses a challenge to right-handed batsmen. Overall, Smith expressed admiration for Shamar’s abilities.
Roach mentioned that Joseph should create his own reputation or success.
“It is his decision to make, whether it is about money or about statistics and numbers. There will be many things competing for his attention as he is currently in high demand,” Roach stated.
West Indies: Roach’s backing could be Joseph’s ticket to stardom
“The presence of Twenty20 franchises can be quite distracting, but the players still have a desire to enjoy playing traditional Test cricket. Test cricket remains a passion for West Indian cricketers when they are at home. It is our responsibility to provide the necessary support to foster this passion.”
Roach states that Joseph showed encouraging signs initially.
Roach expressed that the young man is full of self-assurance and has openly shared a wealth of information with him. They engage in numerous conversations, and Roach finds great pleasure in his youthful energy. Being involved in the early stages of his career brings Roach joy, and he is curious to witness how long he can succeed and how remarkable his abilities can ultimately become. Considering his dedication and efforts, it is certain that he has the potential to excel.
In the meantime, Cricket Australia’s medical team has deemed Australia opener Usman Khawaja healthy to participate in Brisbane. Additionally, Travis Head is expected to be able to play, despite having recently tested positive for COVID-19.
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Joseph: Roach’s protege eyes future success
During the short run chase in Adelaide on Friday, Khawaja was hit in the head by a bouncer from West Indies.
Earlier this week, the 37-year-old underwent concussion tests and has been given the green light to team up with Steve Smith in Khawaja’s home test at the Gabba.
According to a spokesperson from Cricket Australia, Khawaja was reevaluated today and is not experiencing any signs of delayed concussion.
After scoring a century that led to a victory in Adelaide, Head later tested positive for COVID-19. However, Australia captain Pat Cummins mentioned that the 30-year-old is recovering well. On Tuesday, Head traveled to Brisbane but opted to stay in the team hotel instead of joining the Australian team for their training session at the Gabba later in the afternoon.
Cricket Australia announced on Wednesday that both all-rounder Cameron Green and coach Andrew McDonald have contracted COVID-19, making them the most recent additions to the infected members of the team.
Green and McDonald have been isolated from the rest of the team until they receive a negative test result. As per the guidelines set by Cricket Australia, Green and McDonald will still be allowed to participate in the test match even if they do not test negative within the next 24 hours.