West Indies seamer Kemar Roach dedicated his eight wickets in the second Test against Australia to legendary fast bowler Malcolm Marshall, who would have been 54 on Wednesday. Roach has been the standout bowler for the home side in the match which appeared destined for a draw after torrential rain restricted action on the fourth day at Queen’s Park Oval to just 30.4 overs. Australia finished the day on 73 for three in their second innings, a lead of 127 runs after Roach had taken all the wickets to fall to add to his five-wicket haul in the first innings.
“Today would have been Malcolm Marshall’s 54th birthday, it’s a special day, I looked up to him as a bowler,” said Roach of his fellow Barbados quick who died from cancer in 1999. “I’ve watched a lot of clips of him and he was just such a great, great bowler. He was the best in the world at the time. “I can’t really explain it, it’s a good feeling to know that I got some wickets on his birthday and it makes me feel warm as a West Indian to know I can go out there and perform for the West Indies like he did.” Roach sent back openers David Warner and Ed Cowan before clean-bowling Shane Watson for nought as West Indies saw a chance to keep the Australian lead in check. But that was before the rain made a draw the likely result, an outcome which would allow Australia, who won the first Test of the three-match series, to maintain their two-decade grip on the Frank Worrell Trophy. “I had my plans, it’s a matter of executing,” said 23-year-old Roach, playing in his 15th Test. “I know where I have a better chance of getting them out now so I’ll be working hard in the nets to keep being accurate and consistent. Hopefully I’ll keep blasting through the top order.” He also said he enjoyed seeing Watson’s off-stump cartwheel down the pitch. “It was a good sight,” he added. “I really enjoyed that one. Shane Watson’s a great batsman, I rate him a lot and to get him on that wicket, is a good achievement.”