Surrey secure Kemar Roach return for start of County Championship defence

The West Indies seamer has taken 47 wickets across successive summers for the Kia Oval club who clinched their 20th outright title in 2022

Kemar Roach has signed up for a third summer at County Championship holders Surrey.

The sixth-highest West Indies Test wicket-taker with 253 scalps had previously spent the 2021 and 2022 summers at the Kia Oval.

Across both seasons he has taken 47 first-class wickets in 12 matches at 23.57.

In 2022, a hamstring injury forced his spell to be split between two stints at either end of the campaign.

^{Roach returned 25 wickets in seven matches during a truncated second season at Surrey (Ben Hoskins/Getty Images for Surrey CCC)}

But despite playing just seven times he was still able to return 25 wickets and played a role in helping to deliver Surrey's 20th outright County Championship triumph.

Roach, who played four times for Worcestershire in 2011, will be available for the first six matches of the Championship season starting against Lancashire on April 6.

The Windies quick will also be available for the Division One home matches against Hampshire, Middlesex and Kent, as well as the trips to Warwickshire and Essex, before the season breaks for the start of the T20 Blast.

"I really enjoy playing for Surrey and winning the title last year was incredible to be a part of," said the 34-year-old, who has played 74 Tests, 95 one-day internationals and 11 T20s for West Indies.

^{Roach is the sixth all-time wicket-taker for West Indies (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)}

"It's such a talented and exciting group of players and I can't wait to get back out on the pitch representing the club."

Head coach Gareth Batty added: "We're looking forward to welcoming Kemar back to Surrey. He brings great ability and work ethic, and his experience plays an important role in the dressing room.

"Kemar has already shown what he can do in his time at the club so far and we're excited to have him joining us again this year."

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