Roach hunts 250th Test wicket against Bangladesh

West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach bowls during the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on Saturday.  Image source: CWI Media
West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach bowls during the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on Saturday. Image source: CWI Media

West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach is on the hunt for a historic 250th Test wicket when the second Padma Bridge – Dream Fulfilled – Friendship Test match against Bangladesh bowls off at Daren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia on Friday.

The Bajan pacer was adjudged player of the match in the opening contest, where he captured a stellar 7/74 – including the match-winning 5/53 in the second innings – to lead the hosts to a cool seven-wicket triumph.

His efforts with the ball took him to 249 wickets in his career, joint sixth alongside the legendary Michael Holding, on the West Indies' all-time list of wickets-takers. He is also the leading West Indies bowler at eighth position in the latest ICC Test match bowling rankings.

Roach’s seven-wicket haul saw him move into the top ten for the first time in more than two years, into the eighth position.

Speaking at Wednesday’s Cricket West Indies virtual press conference, Roach said he has plans of surpassing Holding’s wicket tally and breaking into the elite 250-club. However, the right-arm bowler does not limit his ability.

“My next big goal is obviously to get past 250 (Test wickets). I’m at 249 now, hopefully, just get one wicket at this Test match and then we can have discussions of how far along we can go and how to maintain my body to get to 300. That would be ideal for me, the team and for West Indies cricket, so that’s definitely on the list,” he said.

On his move up the ICC Test rankings, Roach was elated but wants to continue performing at a top level for the betterment of the senior team, and West Indies cricket by extension.

“I work hard to keep and remain relevant. To be among the top ten best bowlers in the world right now is an amazing feeling. The more Test cricket we play, be it not as much as most teams, but it’s good to perform and do well for the WI.

“It’s good and hopefully we can move higher and higher and after this Test match I can make a couple more steps up the ladder,” he added.

Roach also confirmed that he has recovered from a prior leg injury and is “ready and raring to go” against the Bangladeshi.

“I’ve done everything that I need to do to get myself ready for the first Test match so it’s just maintenance for the second Test. My leg is doing well, there is no pain and no issues, so I’m good.

He also credited fellow WI pacers Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers, and young Guyanese spinner Gudakesh Motie for continuously developing their craft.

“It’s good that we have a lot of fast bowlers coming through that can get the job done. It’s just about learning every day, practising and always try to improve. That’s all I can ask from these guys. We just have to keep working on it,” he said.

Heading into Friday’s Test, CWI men’s selection panel named an unchanged squad.

Lead selector Desmond Haynes lauded the win but affirmed Bangladesh would be no walkover in the second meeting. He credited Roach’s match-winning spell.

“Kemar is a legend. He has done really well for West Indies. He made a great start to his career, then had some injuries, then he worked his way back and is our leading bowler. He’s among the best in the world.

“I am very pleased with his performances, not just on the field, but the way he had been guiding the younger players and the way he has been interacting with the other members of the team.”

Fans can watch live on ESPN Caribbean and listen to live radio commentary on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel.

WI Test Team: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Joshua Da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillips, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Devon Thomas

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