Kemar Andre Jamal Roach, commonly known as Kemar Roach, is a cricketer from the West Indies who has emerged as one of the most promising fast bowlers of his generation. Born on June 30, 1988, in St. George, Barbados, Roach has showcased his exceptional skills with his ability to generate extreme pace and deliver skidding deliveries that leave batsmen in awe.
Standing at well under six feet, Roach may not possess the towering height of some of the West Indian greats, but he makes up for it with his blistering speed. With consistently touching the late 140s (kph), he has the capability to trouble even the most formidable batsmen. His incredible performance in his first two Tests against Bangladesh in 2009 earned him instant recognition with 13 wickets to his name.
However, it was his tour of Australia in 2009-10 that truly put him in the limelight. Bowling consistently at around 150kph, Roach proved to be a nightmare for Australian batsmen. His remarkable display in the Perth Test, where he forced Ricky Ponting to retire hurt after hitting him on the elbow with a thunderous 146kph delivery, made headlines worldwide. This performance not only established Roach as a force to be reckoned with but also earned him a lucrative contract with the Deccan Chargers in the 2010 IPL auction.
Roach’s true potential is perhaps best manifested in the longer format of the game. He showcased his talent in a series against Sri Lanka in 2010-11, taking ten wickets in two Tests. However, it was in 2012 when he achieved a major milestone, securing his maiden ten-wicket haul in Tests against Australia in Trinidad.
Following a remarkable start to his career, Roach faced adversity in the form of an ankle injury during the Centurion Test in December 2014. This setback not only affected his pace but also impacted his performance on the field. He struggled to replicate his earlier success, taking only nine wickets in eight Tests, including a series against England.
Determined to regain his form, Roach returned to domestic cricket where he showcased his skills and determination. In the 2016-17 Professional Cricket League, he took 23 wickets at an impressive average of 16.17, earning him a place back in the West Indies’ Test squad for their 2017 tour of England.
In recent years, Roach has also enjoyed success playing for Surrey in England. Since 2021, he has spent parts of the English summers leading the line for the county. In 2022, his 25 wickets from just seven matches played a crucial role in Surrey winning their 21st County Championship title.
Kemar Roach’s journey in cricket has been a testament to his resilience and talent. With his exceptional pace and ability to trouble batsmen with skidding deliveries, he continues to be a vital asset for the West Indies cricket team. As he continues to evolve as a player, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await his future contributions to the sport.
