West Indies pacer Kemar Roach proud to join 250 Test wickets club

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In the second Test against Bangladesh, West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach took the historic 250th Test wicket, taking Tamim Iqbal as the first wicket of the second innings.

The veteran fast bowler was named the player of the match in the opening Test against BAN, where he captured a stellar 7/74 – including the match-winning 5/53 in the second innings – to lead the hosts to a cool seven-wicket triumph.

His attempts with the ball took him to 250 wickets in his cricketing career, surpassing the popular Michael Holding list of the West Indies’ 6th highest wicket-taker. He is also the leading West Indies bowler to be ranked eighth in the latest ICC Test bowling rankings.

Tamim got out caught behind as he needlessly slashed a wide delivery from Kemar Roach, who grabbed the 250th wicket of his Test career.

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Mahmudul Hasan Joy looked sharp in his brief stay as he flicked and drove Roach to the fence but got carried away by the back to back boundaries and played at one he should have left one, only to pop a healthy edge to third slip.

In his next over, Anamul Haque made a desperate use of a review but couldn’t get the LBW call overturned and was comically given marching orders as everyone ran for cover amidst heavy showers.

Speaking to West Indies Virtual Media on Wednesday, Roach said he plans to surpass Holding’s wickets and enter the Premier 250 club. The right-handed bowler, however, does not limit his ability.

“My next big goal is obviously to get past 250 (Test wickets). I’m at 249 now, hopefully, just get one wicket at this Test match and then we can have discussions of how far along we can go and how to maintain my body to get to 300. That would be ideal for me, the team and for West Indies cricket, so that’s definitely on the list,” he said.

At the top of the ICC Test rankings, Roach was enthusiastic, but he wanted to excel in the senior team and the West Indies cricket team.

“I work hard to keep and remain relevant. To be among the top ten best bowlers in the world right now is an amazing feeling. The more Test cricket we play, be it not as much as most teams, but it’s good to perform and do well for the WI.

“It’s good and hopefully we can move higher and higher and after this Test match I can make a couple more steps up the ladder,” he added.

He also honored other WI fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers and for continuing to develop their skills.

“It’s good that we have a lot of fast bowlers coming through that can get the job done. It’s just about learning every day, practising and always try to improve. That’s all I can ask from these guys. We just have to keep working on it,” he said.

Chief Selection Committee Chairman Desmond Haynes praised to Roach.

“Kemar is a legend. He has done really well for West Indies. He made a great start to his career, then had some injuries, then he worked his way back and is our leading bowler. He’s among the best in the world.

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