The Brisbane Courier-Mail reported yesterday that Queensland Cricket’s chief executive, Graham Dixon, had confirmed the Bulls’ interest in the young West Indian described by the newspaper as the “world cricket’s hottest bowling property.”
“We’ve been talking to Roach for some time now,” Dixon revealed.
“The definite feedback we’ve got from his manager as recently as Wednesday, is that Roach wants to play for us.
“Our talks heated up in Adelaide (during the second Test three weeks ago) and we had to wait for the final Test to finish in Perth,” he said.
“By then Kemar had some wear and tear and the WICB (West Indies Cricket Board) had some concerns about his body and we understand that. As a young guy, they want him for 10 years,” he added.
Roach signed a year-long retainer contract with the WICB prior to the recent West Indies tour of Australia where he impressed with his express pace, control and hostility.
Dixon said that, with Roach’s “niggling injuries,” Queensland couldn’t get the clearance from the West Indies for him to come for even part of the upcoming tournament.
As a result, they went back to New Zealand captain, left-handed all-rounder Daniel Vettori, as their overseas player.
“This time it hasn’t worked out, but we’ll see how we are placed next summer,” the chief executive said.
According to the Courier-Mail, Roach is expected to sign a letter of intent to play for the Bulls in the coming weeks.
It said that the only hurdle would be his 2010-11 playing schedule for the West Indies although he is likely to be free to represent Queensland, with the West Indies’ planned tour of Sri Lanka ending in December.
Four West Indians will be engaged in this season’s ‘Big Bash’ that starts this week – captain Chris Gayle (Western Australia), Dwayne Bravo (Victoria), Kieron Pollard (South Australia) and Dwayne Smith (New South Wales).
Dixon predicted that Roach, who has 20 wickets from five Tests at 29.30, would be “a smash hit” with Australian fans.
“Kemar would be a great drawcard,” he said. “His X-factor is his pace and he would be great in Twenty20. We’ve taken some advice from (former Bulls and Australia players) Andrew Symonds and Matt Hayden and they think Roach would be a great fit for our side.
“The fast bowling aspect of Kemar really appeals to the coach, the players and the selectors,” he added. “It’s rare to find a guy who can bowl 150 kilometers an hour. He would certainly give us an edge.” (TC).
