Windies pacer available for second Test against India

The Windies were humiliated in the first Test against India in Rajkot, losing the match by an innings and 272 runs inside the first three days. On a flat track that offered plenty of runs for the batsmen, the Windies were bundled out for 181 and 196 in the first and second innings respectively thanks to India’s trio of spinners. Their batsmen did not apply themselves and were far from ready to face-off against India in a Test at home.

The other cause for concern is that their bowling attack was practically ineffective – the pacers made no impact, and the spinners weren’t able to halt India’s run-scoring spree which allowed the hosts to pile up 649 in the first innings. However, the Windies will be pleased to have one of their more important fast bowlers back in the side for the second Test.

A couple of days before the Rajkot Test got underway at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, the Windies suffered a blow in form of Kemar Roach, who was forced to fly back home after the demise of his grandmother.

Roach arrived at Hyderabad on Sunday

Windies coach Stuart Law had initially said that Roach will join the team mid-way during the Test in Rajkot. However, Kemar Roach wasn’t able to return to India, raising speculations on whether he will eventually be available for the second Test. Law nevertheless confirmed on Monday that Roach arrived in Hyderabad late on Sunday and will to be available for the second Test.

“Roach is currently is resting up in Hyderabad. He reached India yesterday and has straightaway gone to Hyderabad rather than coming here for a day and then flying out with the team,” Law was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

The former Australian cricketer mentioned that Roach’s inclusion will bolster the Caribbean pace attack, which appeared lacklustre in the first Test. “To have someone of his (Roach’s) quality to come up with (Jason) Holder and (Shannon) Gabriel gives our attack a bit more strength (for the second Test),” Law said.

The Windies will go on to play 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is against India after the completion of the Hyderabad Test.

Keep following CricTracker for more news and updates.