West Indies premier Test fast-bowler Kemar Roach has joined an elite group of West Indies greats after he picked up his 200th Test wicket on the second day of the final Test match against England.
Kemar Roach and his West Indies team mates celebrates a moment to savor
He has become the first man from the West Indies to reach this milestone in 26 years. After the match, Roach, satisfied, described the milestone feeling as “heartwarming”.
“I worked very hard to get to this stage. I have been through a lot, cricketing-wise, my body and injury. Today was heartwarming to get to a significant milestone. It’s quite pleasing, and let’s see how long it can go; probably 300 on the cards,” Roach highlighted.
Roach, who has modelled his career on the basis of milestones, noted that this is evidence he is doing well, so he will continue to push himself to the limit and stay motivated.
The 32-year-old Barbadian had been involved in a car accident and had suffered shoulder and ankle injuries. He noted that this journey was touching so see where he had come from and where he has arrived in his Test career.
With the aim of pushing West Indies to the highest point at the Test level, Roach has added that the great fast bowlers have paved the way for him.
Roach, leading the team off after taking his 200th Test wicket and 50th against England
“The journey has been amazing. I have come through the system, and my biggest aim is to perform. Fast bowling is not easy, it is all about hard work, and you have to enjoy it. I have some good times here, so I just have to keep pushing and performing,” Roach said.
With West Indies currently behind the eight-ball at 137-6, Roach remains positive and has noted that personal milestones are secondary. He says the goal for the West Indies this series is to take the Wisden Trophy back home.
Roach has been an important asset to the West Indies Test team over the years. He is fully confident that the team would bounce back on the third day.
“There is nothing to be concerned about, really. I am just sure tomorrow we come out again, confident and ready to go and take the fight to the English again,” he has said.
This right-arm speedster has also set his sights on 100 Test matches. Leading wicket-takers for the West Indies in Tests are: Courtney Walsh (519), Sir Curtly Ambrose (405), Malcolm Marshall (376), Lance Gibbs (309), Joel Garner (259), Michael Holding (249), Sir Garry Sobers (235), Sir Andy Roberts (202), Kemar Roach (200) and Sir Wes Hall (192).
