Kemar Roach included in West Indies squad for 1st Bangladesh Test after clearing fitness test

West Indies will host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series starting on June 16 (Thursday), and fast bowler Kemar Roach has been included in the home squad for the first Test to be played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, after clearing a fitness test. Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the pacer’s full recovery after being ruled out injured for Surrey in the English County.

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons said it is “brilliant” that Roach is fit to play again, adding that they are happy with what the pacer brings to the table on the field and in the dressing room. Roach last played a Test match on 27 March 2022 against England. “I’m glad he’s fit and looking forward to seeing him getting out there and doing what he does so well,” said Simmons.

Kemar Roach is an inspiration for the younger players: Simmons

Roach made his Test debut in 2009 against Bangladesh and has played 71 matches ever since, picking 242 wickets at an average of 27.18 with nine five-wicket hauls and a ten-wicket haul. “With 250 wickets around the corner, we’re happy with what he brings to the table, not just on the field but in the dressing room as well,” said the West Indies head coach, as quoted by India Today.

“It’s brilliant that he’s (Roach) fit for the Test match. He’s always an inspiration for the younger players we have here and he’s ready to go,” said Simmons. The second Test will be played from June 24 to 28 in Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia, followed by a three-match T20I series starting on July 2 and a three-match ODI series starting from July 10.

West Indies squad for Bangladesh: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, John Campbell, Joshua Da Silva, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Jayden Seales, Devon Thomas. Reserves: Tagernarine Chanderpaul, Shermon Lewis, Kemar Roach

Bangladesh squad for Tests against West Indies: Mominul Haque (Captain), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Liton Das, Mosaddek Hossain, Yasir Ali, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hassan, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shohidul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, and Nurul Hasan Sohan.