Kemar Roach, the West Indies fast bowler, has declared there will be “no friendships” between England’s Jofra Archer and the West Indies players when the two sides meet in their upcoming Test series.

Archer, who was born in Barbados, represented the Windies at Under-19 level, playing three one-dayers for the West Indies U19 team in 2013 before moving to England.

Roach, part of the 30-member squad for the three-Test series, feels there’s no room for camaraderie when they face Archer, despite the England quick’s lasting friendships among members of the West Indies team.

“It is all about winning and playing hard cricket,” Roach, also from Barbados, said. “Jofra has made his decision and I think he’s done a fantastic job so far in his career, but obviously there’s no friendships and stuff in this series.

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

When asked if it’ll give West Indies added motivation to get under Archer’s skin, Roach remained non-committal. “We will see when that comes around. We will definitely see.”

Archer is yet to play against West Indies in Test cricket, having faced them once in ODIs during the 2019 World Cup, when he picked up three wickets.

The first Test is scheduled to begin on July 8 in Southampton, and will be followed by two more Tests in Old Trafford, beginning July 16 and July 24.