ST JOHN’S, Antigua– Head coach Phil Simmons has welcomed the return of veteran seamer Kemar Roach for the opening Test against Bangladesh starting here Thursday.
Roach, who turns 34 at month-end, has not played competitive cricket in nearly two months after pulling up with a hamstring injury while turning out for Surrey in the English County Championship last April.
A vital squad member that stunned England in the Caribbean in March, Simmons said the Barbadian’s presence would be necessary to the dressing room and on the field.
“It’s brilliant that he’s fit for the Test match. He’s always an inspiration for the younger players we have here, and he’s ready to go,” Simmons said on the eve of the contest at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.
“With 250 wickets around the corner, we’re happy with what he brings to the table, not just on the field but in the dressing room.
“I’m glad he’s fit and looking forward to seeing him getting out there and doing what he does so well.”
Roach is the most experienced West Indies bowler with 242 wickets from 71 Tests, leaving him seventh on the all-time list of West Indies wicket-takers.
He needs only eight wickets to overhaul the legendary Michael Holding in sixth.
Roach will have to bear much more responsibility, especially with fast-bowling all-rounder Jason Holder rested for the series. Still, captain Kraig Brathwaite said he expected to see a shared effort from the bowling group.
“Kemar Roach is good to go. We’re missing Jason, and that’s a big miss, but I know we have guys who can fill in,” Brathwaite said.
Roach is a four-seamer named in the 13-man squad alongside Almarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, uncapped Anderson Phillip, and left-arm fast bowling all-rounder Raymond Reifer.
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