The Barbadian becomes the 5th West Indian to reach the 300-mark
Result, Day 4: West Indies 626 for 9 dec. (Jangoo 233, Chase 194, Rathnayaka 5-124) beat Sri Lanka 308 & 101 (Chandimal 43, Dinusha 12*; Roach 4-51) by an innings and 217 runs
When Kemar Roach was left out of West Indies’ squad for their home Tests against Australia last summer, one would have been pardoned for thinking his international career had come to an end.
While head coach Daren Sammy insisted at the time that the door was not closed on the 37-year-old, his comments could have been interpreted as diplomatic.
West Indies’ fast-bowling transition was in full swing, and the new breed was just that—fast. Not to mention talented with youth on their side. And despite being swept by Australia, these characteristics were evident.
So where did that leave Roach? Regardless of how Sammy turned his phrase with a mic in his hand, the answer to that question was out in the cold. That was until injury left the Windies bowling attack depleted ahead of the tour to New Zealand last November, which swung the door open once again for Roach.
At that time, Roach was on 284 wickets. Fast-forward seven months to the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua and Barbuda, where the Barbadian was running in to Asitha Fernando on Day 4 with the West Indies two wickets away from victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Roach opted to go full. When rewarded with the shattering sound of Fernando’s stumps, he looked to the heavens. And in a moment he’ll never forget, he was flocked by the seam bowling pack he had returned to lead before sharing a hug with countryman and captain Roston Chase.
