West Indies' Kemar Roach encouraged by Hobart wicket

Kemar Roach is encouraged by his first glimpses of the pitch at Hobart's Bellerive Oval and believes West Indies' pace attack can cause Australia problems in the first Test, which starts on Thursday.

The Windies suffered an embarrassing 10-wicket defeat at the hands of an inexperienced Cricket Australia XI in their four-day warm-up match in Brisbane.

However, the sight of a green-looking surface in Tasmania has provided a confidence boost to Roach, who shone on his previous Test tour of Australia in 2009.

"There aren't many wickets in the world like that, so it's good to see that for a change. I'm pretty excited to get a go on Thursday," said the 27-year-old.

Asked if the pitch is likely to still be green on Thursday, Roach replied: "Yeah, I think so. I know Australians play very hard cricket and they believe in what they do, so that's what they give us, and that's what we're going to take.

"There's some very good fast bowlers in our group, our job is to go out there and give it our best shot.

"Jerome Taylor has been leading the attack very well, he's in good form, one of the fastest bowlers in the world Shannon Gabriel, and then myself. And Jason Holder, the captain, has been good as well. I think we can give the Australians some trouble."

Roach bowled at express pace in Australia six years ago and memorably forced Ricky Ponting to retire hurt in Perth with a delivery that struck the batsman on his elbow.

"Ricky Ponting was a great batsman for Australia, and to go out there and give him a hard time at the crease was a good thing for me at a young age," said Roach.

"My role has changed since 2009, I've had a lot of injuries the last couple of years and that's set me back a bit.

"But I'm here and there's a reason I'm here, the selectors have put their faith in me to come down here and do the job. I believe in myself as well, so given a go on Thursday I'll go out there and give it my best shot."

Referring to the lack of expectation regarding the Windies' chances, Roach added: "I love being the underdogs. If we can come out on top then it's going to be a whole different story, they will change their mouths.

"I think we've got to go out there, do the best that we can and give Australia a good run."