West Indies suffer major Test blow with Kemar Roach ruled out

Roach, who turns 36 on Sunday, has taken 270 Test wickets and was set to lead his side's attack against Ben Stokes' charges

Nick Friend | 27/06/2024 at 18:26

West Indies seamer Kemar Roach has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against England.

Roach, who turns 36 on Sunday, has taken 270 Test wickets and was set to lead his side's attack against Ben Stokes' charges.

But a knee injury, sustained during his latest County Championship stint with Surrey, has put paid to those hopes.

"County cricket for me is the closest format to Test cricket," he told The Cricketer's County Conversation in April. "Me being a Test cricketer I need to test myself to be at my peak in my Test or red-ball career.

"Coming to Surrey in a professional setup the facilities are amazing, the organisation is amazing. I rate the Championship highly, it is very challenging. The weather plays a big part of it, then the rain. Every day could be a possible different condition and I think that's what makes it so exciting."

roach270601

^{Roach has been ruled out with a knee injury (Steve Bardens/Getty Images)}

He added: "I love that form and love that challenge. I'm willing to play four-day for as long as my body can hold up to do that."

He previously told The Cricketer in 2023 that he believed he had two more years in the game. "Knowing my body," he said, "I've had some injuries, and they are reoccurring. I'm doing pretty good to keep them away, but it's a lot of work. It can be mentally tough. I give myself two years to get some more milestones and then raise my hat and walk off."

In his place, Jeremiah Louis has been called up. The 28-year-old, with 151 first-class wickets, is part of a pace battery that still looks exciting even without Roach's experience.

Alzarri and Shamar Joseph will bring pace, while Jason Holder is back in the Test fold, and Jayden Seales has been exceptional in the County Championship for Sussex.

Join The Cricketer's brand new Whatsapp channel for the latest breaking news, comment and features - click here to become a member