BRISBANE, Australia (CMC) – Rookie West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach has refused to let his head droop despite being kept in the field all day by Queensland Bulls’ batsmen on the second day of their first-class four match yesterday.

“It was a tough day,” Roach conceded, after Queensland piled up 384 for four in response to West Indies’ first innings of 271 all out.

“.but tough days help to make you tough. We knew before we came here that it would be hard work.”

Roach, who bowled with pace to finish with one for 67, got the first wicket of the day but was forced to watch as Nick Kruger and Wade Townsend stroked centuries to put Queensland on top.

Kruger scored a shot-filled 172 while Townsend got an even century, as they both compiled maiden first class centuries.

All the Windies bowlers were forced to toil without much success in conditions well suited to batting at the Allan Border Field.

“[It’s the] first time [for me] in Australia and before coming here I was told that it would be hard work,” said the 21-year-old.

“This is what international cricket is all about hard days and long days. I know I have to work hard to get wickets and I’ll bowl all day if I have to.

“It was tiring but I was accustomed to that. I’m accustomed to bowling a long time. It’s not a problem. I came here mentally and physically prepared.”

Though he had little to show for his efforts, Roach was impressive, bowling consistently fast at speeds reaching over 90 miles per hour.

He struck Kruger on the grill early in his innings in a testing period for the batsman as he threatened throughout the Queensland innings.

Roach, who has taken 13 wickets in two Tests to date, said he along with rest of the team were already focussed on the first Test against Australia which starts next Thursday at the Gabba.

“As a team we are working towards the Test series and I am taking it one day at a time,” he said.

“In order to know where you are, you have to test yourself against the best and that is why I am eager to face the Aussies, if I am selected.

“The Australians are a strong side, but we are capable of playing good cricket individually and as a team and the players in our team unit are confident of doing very well against them.”