MANCHESTER, England, CMC – West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach believes crucial losses to Australia and New Zealand derailed the West Indies’ chances of advancing to the 2019 ICC World Cup semifinals.
He made the comments following the regional side’s defeat to India on Thursday, which officially eliminated them from advancing to the knockout round.
Roach, who will celebrate his 31st birthday today, said after the Windies’ opening victory over Pakistan, those losses stymied their momentum.
“I think, obviously after the first innings against Pakistan, the guys were confident going forward into the World Cup. I think a couple of close games between Australia and then a couple of other teams, New Zealand, I think it’s tough because you want to get over the line, obviously, and get some confidence going forward but it didn’t work out for us.
“But I think the guys, you know, keeping our heads up. We’re out now, but obviously there’s a future for us. I think we’re still learning. [They’re a] couple of young guys on the team that have a great future for them and it’s all about being positive and looking forward,” Roach said.
Despite the West Indies’ sub-par performance in the competition, Roach said there was still a bright future ahead for the team, especially the young players.
He pointed to promising players Oshane Thomas and Shimron Hetmyer, who he said had much to offer.
“Yeah, I think we have a bright future. We have some quality players around. Hetmyer and Oshane, the younger guys, once they get some good guidance, they’ll do well for West Indies. And I’m confident in the guys. I’ll always be a fan of West Indies cricket for sure, there’s no doubt about it,” Roach said.
“Yeah, as I said, it’s all a good future for us. They’re a couple of guys back home doing well as well, so hopefully we’ll see these guys filter into the West Indies team in the near future.”
