Durham new signing Kemar Roach has spoken of his desire to support the bowling attack during his spell at Durham.
The West Indian fast bowler joined in the winter on a short-term deal for the first half of the County Championship.
A return to County Cricket has been on the mind of the new recruit, who described the prospect as “fantastic”.
“It keeps me going. It’s very challenging to come over to County Cricket- the grind is tough, with back-to-back games and travelling – but I think it’s a good challenge, and it keeps me going”, he told Durham Cricket.
“The room I’m staying in is fantastic; the view, all the quiet, it’s nice, it’s relaxing.”
“To drive over here, to a good dressing room with good banter, it’s a good feeling to be back in County Cricket again.”
With just short of 300 test wickets to his name, Roach is walking into a dressing room that offers a blend of young and experienced bowlers.
His desire to support the fresher faces coming through the ranks has been evident from the get-go.
“Obviously I’ve had some chats with the bowling group – they had a tough year last year, so we want to correct some wrongs and I’m here to help that”, he said.
“I’m going to bring my experience, listen to the guys that have been here for a while and then lend my expertise in terms of how to go about things.”
“I’ve played against (Graham) Onions, the bowling coach – he’s a fantastic guy, and we’ve had some good conversations so far, so I’m looking forward to working with him.”
“I’ve watched them a couple of times at practice so we’ve had some conversations, so I’m looking forward to helping Durham get back into Division One.”
Roach has vast Championship experience, notably with Surrey and Worcestershire – with whom he previously played at the Riverside in 2011.
The North East provides a different test, however, and the 37 year old will be hoping to add some Caribbean flair to his new side – though it will inevitably require some adjustments to the conditions.
He joked: “It’s tough, leaving Barbados in thirty degree weather and coming over here, where it’s like four or five!”
“It’s been warm for the past couple of days, it got to about ten or eleven today, so I’m happy with that.”
“But it’s not bad, I’m okay, I can manage it”, he added.
The Barbados-born quick is one of a number of top internationals set to pull on the whites for Durham this season – with England captain Ben Stokes leading from the front in that regard.
Roach spoke glowingly on the impact that Stokes has on the people around him.
“He’s a hard worker – I knew he’d be at practice, that’s one thing I know about him.”
“His work ethic is very high, so I’m not surprised to see him at all. We’ve come up against each other quite a few times, and a quality player he is!”
“Obviously he’s the leader of the England side now and I think he’s doing a good job. There’s always going to be pressure, and he can handle it, he’s the best guy to handle it.”
“It’s been good to have a conversation with him over the last couple of days and he’s given me some insight of how to go about things over here – so I’m looking forward to lending my experience over here!”
Roach will remain at the Banks Homes Riverside until mid-June.