Roston to chase big runs and wins in Wisden Trophy pursuit
Roston Chase believes West Indies can excel in the three-Test series against England, as they aim to retain the Wisden Trophy they won at home last year. The allrounder said the players needed to back their ability and adopt the right mentality. The 28-year-old himself said he’s looking for “at least one century” and when the series gets going behind closed door on July 4.
“For me, the key to winning this series is to get a good first innings total. I think the first innings is going to be very important. Once we get that good first innings total, there’s always pressure on the other team to come and back that up. As you know, our bowling is our strength so once we can get a good target for the bowlers to look after I think we will be in a good position to dominate like how we did in the Caribbean,” he said.
He was speaking to members of the media via Zoom link from Emirates Old Trafford where they are based for the Sandals West Indies Tour of England.
“I’ve always wanted to score a century in England. I’ve scored a century against England in the Caribbean, but I would love to get one in England. When you score hundreds in England as a batsman, I think people take you more seriously and rate you a bit higher … so I would like to get a century. But I’m just looking to have a good series with the bat scoring as much runs as possible, but I would not be happy if I don’t get at least one century.”
Chase’s century against England came in the final innings at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia – he made 102 not out. His most outstanding contribution in that series win was with the ball when he took career-best 8-60 in the famous victory at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
The West Indies squad will live, train and play in a “bio-secure” environment during the seven weeks of the tour, as part of the comprehensive medical and operations plans to ensure player and staff safety. The bio-secure protocols will restrict movement in and out of the venues, so the selection panel has also named a list of reserve players who will travel to train and help prepare the Test squad and ensure replacements are available in case of any injury.
Wisden Trophy Test Schedule
July 8-12: 1st Test at Ageas Bowl, Southampton
July 16-20: 2nd Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
July 24-28: 3rd Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester