Kemar Roach joined an elite group of West Indies bowlers on day four of the first Test against Sri Lanka in North Sound, claiming his 300th Test wicket to become the fifth West Indies bowler overall and the fourth fast bowler to reach the landmark.
Roach dismissed Asitha Fernando with a full delivery into the stumps after lunch on day four, sealing the milestone that places him alongside Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall, and Lance Gibbs in the West Indies’ all-time wicket-takers list. He finished the innings with four wickets as West Indies completed an innings and 217-run victory.
The 37-year-old, who turns 38 at the end of June, was visibly emotional after the achievement. He received a special jersey from Jayden Seales marking the occasion.
Roach Pays Tribute to Team and Support Staff
Speaking after the win, Roach directed much of his gratitude toward team physio Denis Byam, crediting him with getting him fit to play the Test match after a return from injury.
“I want to mention Denis Byam immensely. He’s the team physio and we’ve had countless conversations for the last couple of weeks. He was phenomenal,” Roach said.
He also paid tribute to captain Roston Chase, who claimed his first win in the role, and coach Daren Sammy, who was also celebrating his first Test win as head coach. Roach acknowledged support from his family and the Antigua crowd throughout his post-match remarks.
“It’s been a long journey. I’m happy the guys won the game, that’s the most important thing. I think the win is what we needed to get ourselves on the World Test Championship table,” he said.
Sammy Backs Roach to Continue in Test Cricket
Coach Daren Sammy, who was once on the receiving end of Roach’s first Test wicket back in 2009, spoke at length about the fast bowler’s ability to adapt and reinvent himself over the years.
Sammy noted that while Roach had lost pace over time, he had developed other weapons — using the crease, a wobble-seam variation, and generating more movement through the air and off the surface than Sri Lanka’s quicks managed on the fourth day at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
“For me the most important thing about Kemar is the way he reinvents himself,” Sammy said. “In the dressing room, he’s a leader. Every time the captain calls on him, he creates a chance for us.”
Sammy also backed Roach to keep contributing despite the presence of younger quicks like Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph, and Jayden Seales in the squad.
“He still has a lot to offer. He’s proving to me and he’s proving to everyone that he’s still a fierce competitor in the Test arena,” Sammy added.
Roach himself remained tight-lipped on his Test future but expressed a clear desire to soak in the moment and push for a series win against Sri Lanka. The second Test is set to follow this first match, where West Indies came out dominant across all three departments.
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