MELBOURNE, Australia (CMC) – Cricket correspondent Peter Roebuck has pointed out rookie West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach as a refreshing addition to the tourists’ attack.

“It’s been a long time since a Caribbean paceman tested the batsmen’s reflexes as regularly as did Kemar Roach,” said the outspoken Roebuck, who has been critical of West Indies since their arrival for the three-Test tour.

“Bounding to the crease off a shortish run, the Barbadian sent down several flashes of lightning and deserved more than one wicket.”

The 21-year-old Roach bowled with impressive pace on the opening day of the first Test at Gabba, and managed to trouble nearly all the Australian batsmen.

His only wicket came when he worked over Aussie captain Ricky Ponting before producing a peach of an away swinger to have the experienced batsman caught at the wicket for 55.

“Ricky Ponting can testify to his speed. Resuming after lunch, and already respectful after the newcomer’s opening burst, the Tasmanian found himself clinging to the crease,” Roebuck continued.

“Along the way the accomplished first drop was trapped plumb in front, in every opinion except the one that mattered, and survived several other close shaves.

“Eventually justice was served as he touched a fast and perfectly pitched outswinger.”

Roach, who has played two Tests against Bangladesh, finished the day with figures of one for 15 from 16 overs.

Australia reached 322 for five at the close after winning the toss and opting to bat