Kagiso Rabada picked up six for 50 to bowl South Africa to an 87-run victory over West Indies in the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday.
After bowling out the hosts for 116 in the morning, West Indies needed 247 to win but were dismissed for just 159. The only resistance of note came from Jermaine Blackwood who made a gutsy 79 before being ninth man out.
Jermaine Blackwood’s thrilling counterattack – 79 off 93 balls – raised West Indies’ hopes, but Rabada found a little extra kick off the pitch to take him out.
It was Roach who had set the scene for the day with his 11th five-for in Test cricket – and first away from home since 2017. He also surpassed Joel Garner’s tally of 259 to become West Indies’ fifth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket.
He talked about getting past Joel Garner,
“He checks on me every once in a while. To pass him is a great honor.”
Kemar Roach admitted his main motivation to still play Test cricket – 14 years after his debut in 2009 – was because he wanted to “be among the greats”.
His five-wicket haul in Centurion put him fifth on the list of West Indies’ highest wicket-takers in Tests, and helped him overtake his mentor Joel Garner.
“When I got into the team, he was the team manager. I spent a lot of time in his room, communicating and stuff and learning the tricks of the trade. He checks on me every once in a while. To pass him is a great honor. Sorry Mr. Garner.”
At 34 – and with 76 caps to his name – Roach has no intention of stopping anytime soon.
“My motivation comes from wanting to perform, wanting to get my numbers up and wanting to get among the greats. We have a fantastic dressing room; the camaraderie, the fun we have – that’s the motivation for me in trying to keep going as long as I can.”
When asked if he could put a timeframe on it, Roach referenced NBA legend LeBron James promising his fans multiple titles. “Let’s see how long I can go. Hopefully two, three, four, five, six, seven years…”