'No friendships' with England star Jofra Archer during Test series, warns West Indies bowler Kemar Roach

Archer in action against the West Indies during last summer's Cricket World Cup
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West Indies bowler Kemar Roach says there will be no room for friendships with England star Jofra Archer during next month’s Test series.

Archer was born and raised in Barbados and played age-group cricket for the West Indies, but moved to his father’s homeland, England, to join Sussex in 2016 and became eligible for international selection last year.

The 25-year-old enjoyed immediate success, winning the World Cup on home soil and starring in the drawn Ashes series against Australia.

The behind-closed-doors series, which starts at Hampshire’ Ageas Bowl on July 8, could see Archer line up in a Test match against the Windies for the first time, though he did play in an ODI against them during the World Cup pool stage last summer.

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"Jofra has made a decision and I think he is doing a fantastic job for his career,” Roach said. “Obviously there will be no friendships at the start of this series. It's all about winning and playing our cricket.

"If we come up against Jofra, I think we will devise a fantastic plan to counter it. I am looking forward to that battle.

"I saw him as a youngster in domestic cricket back home in Barbados. I always thought he was talented and obviously it has shown over the years. He came over here and has done a fantastic job and I want to wish him all the best in his career."

The West Indies arrived on English soil last week, becoming the first overseas sports team to visit the UK since the coronavirus pandemic began, and are currently undergoing a period of quarantine and preparation at Old Trafford in Manchester.

The three-match series will be the first time the two sides have met in Test cricket since England were beaten 2-1 on their 2019 tour of the Caribbean, when Roach was named man of the series after taking 18 wickets.

Though the likes of Dom Sibley and Ollie Pope appear to have strengthened England’s batting line-up since they were skittled for measly scores of 77, 187 and 132 on that tour, Roach is hoping to terrorise the top order once again.

West Indies arrive in Manchester for England tour

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"You saw them in the Caribbean and it is pretty fresh in our minds,” he added. “It's always going to be tough to play England but once we get stuck into them, I think we stand a great chance of beating England.

"Our plan was always to make it tough for the English batsmen. I don't see any reason why we can't execute that here and cause trouble to the English batsmen.

"The strong England support they have here can play a part. Now it's a more level playing field. When July 8 comes, let's see how it goes and how fast we can adapt and get stuck into the English."

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