Kemar Roach Reckons Retaining The Wisden Trophy As West Indies 'Number-One' Goal

Kemar Roach, West Indies pace bowling spearhead, has said that retaining the Wisden Trophy is his sides’ ‘number-one’ goal in the upcoming three-match Test series against England.

International cricket is all set to return after a coronavirus-forced three-month hiatus when England lock horns with the West Indies in a three-Test series, the first of which will take place at the ‘bio-secure’ Ageas Bowl in Southampton from 8th of July.

West Indies are the current holders of the Wisden Trophy after having won their last rubber against England 2-1 on home soil in early 2019.

West Indies and England have locked horns in a total of 157 Tests across 37 series. No two teams have played in as many Tests against each other than Ashes rivals England and Australia, who have played 351 Tests against each other.

Also Read: Phil Simmons Wants West Indies To Draw Inspiration From Headingley 2017 Victory Ahead Of The Test Series

‘It’s about defending the trophy’- Kemar Roach

While the West Indies have dominated the overall rivalry [57 wins in 157 Tests], England has had the upper edge since the turn of the century, winning 21 of the 36 encounters.

No wonder Kemar Roach likened it to being their very own Ashes.

“Taking the trophy back home to the Caribbean is the number one goal. Winning in England would be perfect but it’s about defending the trophy,” Kemar Roach was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

“This is our biggest series, like the Ashes for us, so it’s about getting into that zone.” he added.

Kemar Roach also spoke about the ban on the usage of saliva on a cricket ball imposed by the ICC as a measure to avert the proliferation of coronavirus, stating that the bowlers need to find a way to shine the ball despite not being able to do it via the traditional method.

“Yes, that’s the tough part but hopefully we can get some hot days and the guys can work up some sweat. Although it has to be a pretty warm day for us to sweat. But whatever the weather, we’ll find a way,” Roach said.

Kemar Roach- 18 wickets in 3 Test at an average of 13.89- was the leading wicket-taker during West Indies 2019 series win against England and he will once again be the key to the visitors’ fortunes.

Also Read: England vs West Indies, 2020: Squads, Schedule, Live Streaming Details And Everything You Need To Know About