Kemar Roach is confident that the whitewash in the ODI series is not going to have a bearing on the Test series that follows in Bangladesh. The fast bowler will have Shannon Gabriel alongside him to ramp up the red-ball bowling stocks for the West Indies after their inexperienced ODI unit looked out of place against Tamim Iqbal's seasoned team.
"The one-day series didn't go as well as we'd have liked. We have to understand it was a very young and inexperienced team. It was just a learning curve for those guys to take back home and learn from it, and improve their games to come back stronger," Roach said. "Couple of the Test guys have been here before. We know what to expect. I expect the guys to give a better showing. Put up a better fight and win some games for the West Indies.
"We have to be positive and execute our plans the best as we can. Bangladesh is always a tough tour. The guys are working hard for three weeks. We know what we have to do to put on a good score on the board, and take 20 wickets in the match. It is about going out there and giving it our best shot, and put in a good show."
Roach stressed on the need for the batsmen to play spin well and on the fast bowlers to bowl straight and bring reverse swing into play as early as possible.
"The batsmen have been doing a lot of work with spin," Roach said. "They have been listening and asking questions on how to improve. I am pretty happy with what I am seeing. I am sure that they will go well. The guys are definitely putting in the extra work when it comes to playing spin well, and try to get their stride in, using their feet and sweeping. I have seen improvement in the way the guys have worked since we got here; they are working a little bit smarter, so I hope for them they get some good results in the Test series and win a game for West Indies.
"It is hard work for fast bowlers out here. The pitches aren't conducive to speed or any seam movement. It is all about being consistent and putting the ball in the right areas. It is a pretty straight length, challenging the batsmen on the front foot. That's mainly what your best chances are, to succeed in Bangladesh. Working on the ball as hard as we can, trying to get the ball to reverse as early as you can to trouble the Bangladesh middle order."
Roach had good words for Alzarri Joseph, who led the bowling attack in the ODI series and is now warming up for the Tests.
"His ODI career has been going pretty well. He is in the ICC's ODI team of the year. It is a good achievement. I know he'd love to get some more wickets under his belt, probably get that first five-wicket haul in Tests," Roach said of Joseph. "It is a learning curve and it is only a stepping stone for him. He has to work hard and believe in himself, listen to the people around you and take what will help your game, and just try to keep improving. I am sure one day Alzarri will take the mantle."
Roach feels West Indies have the team to beat Bangladesh in their backyard but he's aware that it's going to take some "smart cricket." The first Test will be played at Chattogram from February 3.
"I have played at this ground before. I know a bit of it. It is just about doing a job that's required. I am looking forward to it. It is going to be a good series. I think we can pull one out of the hat here in Bangladesh, but it is going to take a lot of work, planning and smart cricket. I think we have enough to get it done," Roach said.
(Cricbuzz)