Kemar Roach looking to prove his worth following injury break

Kemar Roach

Sydney, Feb 7 (IANS) Fast bowler Kemar Roach is looking to 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, reports CMC. 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 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 the 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 the West Indies crushed the 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."