Batting key for Barbados, says Roach

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

Kemar Roach has identified bowling as Barbados' strength heading into the Caribbean Twenty20 Championship, starting later this month in his homeland.

The West Indies fast bowler has, however, indicated that batting will be the key for his side if they are to win the inaugural competition, organised by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

"We have a lot of variety in our attack - we have options," said Roach. "We have a number of very good bowlers and good all-rounders as well.

"Once the batting clicks and puts some good scores on the board, I am confident we can go all the way."

The 22-year-old Roach, who has played seven Tests, 13 one-day internationals and 10 Twenty20 internationals for West Indies, will spearhead the Barbados attack.

He believes that home advantage should count for Barbados' first two matches, before the competition shifts to Trinidad for its conclusion.

"The Bajans will be firing in this tournament," he said. "We will be firing on all cylinders. It is a big opportunity for all the members of the team to step up and represent the country.

"We have a very good chance of going all the way. Playing at home, at Kensington Oval, will be great for us and we want to do it for the people."

He added: "We will have a lot of home support. Bajans love their cricket and I want to urge the people to come out and support the tournament.

"It's Crop Over (carnival) time in Barbados and once the music is playing, I can guarantee the people will come out and have a great time at the matches.

"The Caribbean T20 is new and it will be a chance for the players to showcase their skills, and the crowds to get involved as well."

Roach acknowledged playing in the Champions League T20 in South Africa, alongside the top T20 clubs from around the cricket world, will be a huge incentive for Barbados, as well as the other teams in the competition.

"It would be a great opportunity for any Caribbean team to make it to the Champions League," he said.

"Trinidad & Tobago went last year and they did really well, playing an exciting brand of cricket.

"We in the Barbados team would love to make it this time around. It's a huge incentive, but first we must win the Caribbean T20, so that is the focus of everyone in the team right now."

The Barbadians have been drawn in Group B, in which they will face the Barbados-based Combined Campuses and Colleges on July 23 at Kensington Oval, where they also meet Windward Islands on July 25.

Barbados complete the preliminary competition of the Caribbean T20 against long-standing rivals Guyana on July 29 at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad.