“He came to me and said, ‘Big respect, big up. All respect to you for the position you have,’ and he wished me well,” Bavuma said. “I had to pinch myself there.”
“I have a huge admiration for West Indian cricket culture. And as a bowler, how can you ignore that famous bowling attack, and the likes of Viv Richards, Brian Lara, Gordon Greenidge – the list goes on and on and on,” Rabada said. “They dominated world cricket at a stage, and the whole world knows about it. They’re a phenomenal side with a phenomenal culture. I am friends with many of them. I admired the players that have come before – they would have played a role in my cricketing upbringing – and the current players too.”
“When I got into the team, he was the team manager. I spent a lot of time in his room, communicating and stuff and learning the tricks of the trade. He checks on me every once in a while. To pass him is a great honour,” Roach said, quickly checking himself. “Sorry Mr Garner.”
At 34 years old – and with 76 caps to his name – Roach has no intention of stopping anytime soon.
“My motivation comes from wanting to perform, wanting to get my numbers up and wanting to get amongst the greats,” he said. “We have a fantastic dressing room; the camaraderie, the fun we have – that’s the motivation for me in trying to keep going as long as I can.”
