West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach became the unlikely hero with the bat for West Indies as they chased down 168 set by Pakistan in the first of the two-Test matches taking place at Sabina Park, Jamaica to win the game by one wicket.
Roach, who scored unbeaten 30 and was instrumental in taking West Indies from 114-7 to the victory, said that the only thing that kept him going was belief and staying positive.
"I have never been in a situation like that before, batting with the tail. I am part of the tail, so for me, it was to go out there and believe. That was the biggest thing - to believe and stay positive - and it worked, and I give thanks,” said the 33-year-old during the post-match interview.
Explaining the plan when he got together with wicket-keeper batter Joshu Da Silva, with 54 runs still required and only two more batsmen in the dressing room, the Barbadian said, "The plan was to just stay positive. That's me. I was just trying to take on every ball as it came.” “This is by far the most important innings so far. I was just trying to pick the gaps and run hard,” he added further.
Roach and West Indies were in a spot of bother with youngster Jayden Seales walking in to bat at number 11 and the team still requiring 17 more to win. Roach was asked about his plans and pep talk to Seales. To that, he replied, “My advice to Jayden was ‘just protect the stumps’. The biggest threat is the straight ball. He did it very well. He is a star for the future. His five wickets today speaks wonders about our cricket. All the best to him, and I wish him a great career!"