Kemar Roach

Kemar Roach

Barbadian cricketer, Kemar Andre Jamal Roach, known for his key role in the West Indies team in Tests and ODIs. He was born on the 30th of June 1988. He's about 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall. Roach used to be famous for his over 90 mph bowling speeds. But due to injuries and lessened speed, he shifted his bowling strategy. He now focuses more on swing and ball movement. In 2022, he played a big part in Surrey's County Championship win. He also helped the Brisbane Heat to win the BBL02 title.

Roach's cricketing journey is marked by a string of sparkling feats. He nailed down a landmark in 2012 - first West Indies bowler to pocket ten wickets in a Test match since 2005. He's a prominent figure in Windies cricket, having bagged 250+ Test wickets and 100+ in one-day internationals. Plus, Roach demonstrated his prowess while playing with Jamaica Tallawahs, Barbados, Deccan Chargers, Worcestershire, and other Caribbean Premier League (CPL) teams, and also on the international plain.

RephraseAnd here's another shining star in his crown - Roach was the first from West Indies to score a hat-trick in the 2011 Cricket World Cup. He accomplished this thrilling act against the Netherlands. Kemar Roach remains a valuable asset to West Indies cricket, with a combination of speed, swing, and a flair for making big plays.

Kemar Roach's Cricket Journey

Early Career

Roach had just played four first-class matches before he was picked for the West Indies Test team against Australia on June 7, 2008, for the third Test. Despite not making the final squad, he was pleased, acknowledging that local players are usually included in Test matches. On June 20, 2008, Roach made his debut for his country in a Twenty20 match against Australia. It was also his first senior Twenty20 game. With the best bowling stats of 2/29 from three overs, he contributed to West Indies' seven-wicket win with an outstanding effort.

In July 2008, Roach was called up to the team for the last two ODIs after Australia won the series. He was not involved in those games, but he was forced to wait until August 20, 2008, for his One Day International debut-a triangular series against Bermuda and Canada. With statistics of 10-1-29-2, Roach, along with rookies Leon Johnson and Brendan Nash, was crucial to the West Indies' six-wicket victory against Bermuda. Irving Romaine, the captain of Bermuda, and Steven Outerbridge were both taken out by him.

Later, on November 1, 2008, Roach was selected for the ODI team that was going to visit Pakistan. West Indies coach John Dyson had expected Roach to compete with more seasoned bowlers like Fidel Edwards and Jerome Taylor for a position in the team. In addition, he and three other players without a Test cap were included in the 15-man team chosen to travel to New Zealand for a Test series.

Breakthrough

On July 9, 2009, Kemar Roach made his Test debut against Bangladesh, playing for a West Indies side that was severely depleted. Featuring nine uncapped players, seven of whom made their Test debut, the squad was captained by Floyd Reifer owing to a wage dispute with experienced players. Roach demonstrated his ability despite the team's loss by exerting pressure on Bangladeshi batters with yorkers and swinging deliveries, taking his maiden wicket in a Test match against Shakib Al Hasan.

Roach showed speed and aggressiveness in the second Test, recording a career-best 6/48 in the first innings, even though Bangladesh won the series 2-0. He became the most prolific wicket-taker for the West Indies throughout the series with 13 wickets. Against Bangladesh in the next ODI series, Roach carried up his excellent form, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at an average of 16.20.

Roach was praised for his outstanding bowling, especially by former Australia captain Ian Chappell, and he kept his place for the November-December 2009 tour of Australia. His quick speed caused problems for Australian batters, and he and Ricky Ponting developed a significant rivalry. Because there were no more seasoned bowlers available, Roach's performance throughout the series made him known as the head of the West Indies' bowling attack.

Roach gained popularity during the 2010 IPL auctions and signed a $700,000 contract to play for the Deccan Chargers. Roach remained influential in international cricket even if he played few games in 2010.

Roach represented the West Indies in three matches at the 2010 ICC World Twenty20, however, the team lost in the first round. Roach played in two Test matches during South Africa's June 2010 trip, taking six wickets at an average of 31. A 50% match fee sanction was imposed for his role in an incident involving Jacques Kallis.

During the tour of Sri Lanka in November and December 2010, Roach maintained his high standards, finishing as the top wicket-taker for the West Indies and winning the Man of the Series award. As the first bowler from the West Indies to achieve a hat-trick in a World Cup match, Roach did it in the 2011 edition. With 13 wickets taken throughout the tournament, he was the team's leading wicket scorer.

2011 saw Roach play in a few Test matches, but he ended up topping the West Indies in ODI wicket-taking. Because of his success, he was able to gain crucial experience by signing a deal with Worcestershire in English domestic cricket.

Roach recorded his first-ever ten-wicket haul in the second Test of the series in March 2012, when Australia was touring the West Indies. Roach's 19 wickets in the series were the most on either team, even with the team losing overall.

Roach struggled with no-balls during the May and June 2012 England tour, although he was still effective, especially when facing Jonny Bairstow. His achievements also included the Big Bash League (BBL02), when he was instrumental in the Brisbane Heat's championship victory.

Success in Recent Years

Later in his career, Kemar Roach accomplished a number of noteworthy firsts. In the third Test match between the Windies and New Zealand at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on June 30, 2014, Roach got rid of BJ Watling to get his 100th wicket in Test cricket. When Jason Holder caught Watling at point for 29, it was an incredible moment.

Roach's influence on One Day Internationals (ODIs) persisted. Against the UAE on March 7, 2018, at the Old Hararians Sports Club, he took his 100th wicket in an ODI by catching Rohan Mustafa behind for eight runs, helping the Windies win.

In June 2018, Roach achieved yet another significant feat-winning his 150th wicket in a Test match. During the second Test against Sri Lanka at Saint Lucia's Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, he removed Kusal Perera for 32.

In October 2018, Cricket West Indies (CWI) gave Roach a contract for the 2018-19 cricket season, recognizing his efforts. He participated in his 50th Test match in the second Test away against Bangladesh the following month.

Roach was equally good in international competitions. He was included in the West Indies team for the 2019 Cricket World Cup in April 2019. With a brilliant five-for-seven session in the first Test match of the 2019 series against England at Kensington Oval, he was named ESPN Test Bowling Performance of the Year.

Roach was added to the West Indies Test team for the series against England in June 2020. He became the ninth West Indian and the first in 26 years to attain the notable milestone of taking his 200th wicket in Test cricket during the third match of the series at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

After moving on in 2021, Roach joined Surrey County Cricket Club, where he was a key member of the team that won the 2022 County Championship. In June 2022, Roach secured his 250th wicket in Test cricket by dismissing Tamim Iqbal during the second Test match against Bangladesh at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia. This achievement further cemented Roach's status as a significant figure in the sport.

Career Statistics

As of March 20, 2023, Kemar Roach's illustrious cricket career is encapsulated by impressive statistics across various formats. In Test cricket, he has participated in 77 matches, amassing 1,132 runs with an average of 11.67 and achieving a top score of 41. Roach has bowled 13,929 balls, claiming 261 wickets with a notable best bowling figure of 6/48.

His ODI journey comprises 95 matches, contributing 308 runs, and capturing 125 wickets at an average of 31.08, showcasing a remarkable best bowling figure of 6/27. In the T20I arena, Roach has played 11 matches and secured 10 wickets. His First-Class record is extensive, featuring in 150 matches, scoring 2,125 runs at an average of 13.03, and taking 488 wickets with an exceptional best bowling performance of 8/40. A proficient fielder, Roach has been involved in 21 catches in Tests, 22 in ODIs, 1 in T20Is, and 44 in First-Class matches. These statistics reflect the all-around prowess and longevity of Kemar Roach's impactful career in international cricket.


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