West Indies defeated the formidable Australian team by eight runs at the Gabba in the second Australia vs West Indies Test on January 28 (Sunday), thereby levelling the series at 1-1.
The emerging talent, Shamar Joseph, played a crucial role in this triumph with an outstanding bowling performance, securing seven wickets and ultimately dismissing Australia for 207 in the second innings.
West Indies veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach says young speed demon Shamar Joseph has the ability to leave a great legacy in Test cricket if that’s what the 24-year-old desires.
Delving into specifics of his advice to the 24-year-old Shamar, Roach revealed:
“The best advice I can give him is to build his own legacy. Understand what you want from Cricket. That’s up to him to determine, if it’s monetary, or if it’s just stats and statistics or whatever. I think he doesn’t know what he wants from cricket… and enjoy the journey.
“There’s gonna be a lot of distractions, as I said he’s a hot commodity right now. So he needs to choose what he really wants and what he thinks is best for his career going forward. So it’s up to him, as a young man, but I definitely give him that advice.”
“He is a very confident young man and I am looking forward to bowling with him. He shared a lot of information with me and we have a lot of conversations. He has a good energy I love. I am happy to be around him and to be a part of his career at the start of it. Let’s see how long and how good he can be at the end of it. He is destined to be good if he puts the work in,” Roach added.
While it may seem like Roach is in the third act of his illustrious career, he hasn’t set any finish line for himself yet. He is, however, of the legacy he’ll leave behind, when he does.
“I love Test cricket. Honestly, I love the red-ball format. I’ve played one-dayers and the T20 format as well but I think my heart was always a part of the red ball. I just wanted to be a part of those mega cricketers back in the days. The Joel Garners, the Malcolm Marshalls, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, I just want to be a part of those names.
“And I think for me, obviously, I didn’t grow up much in the franchise era. So I had Test cricket at heart, and it has stuck with me throughout. So I just think it’s different times now. And that was what 10, 14, 15 years ago. So for me, it’s just about these youngsters and what they want to achieve from it. And they make the right decisions and they go forward to careers.”