IND vs WI 2018: Kemar Roach to miss the Test series opener

The first Test between India and West Indies will be played at Rajkot from October 4.

Roach was magnificent at home against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh recently | Getty

West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach will be missing from the first Test against India at Rajkot after he was forced to fly back home following the untimely death of his grandmother.

Roach, who has taken 163 wickets at 28.31 across 48 Tests and is a key part of the bowling unit in the Jason Holder led team, will be rejoining the squad midway through the first Test beginning on Thursday(October 4).

"Kemar is not back yet. He had a bereavement in the family and will be joining the team midway through the first Test," Stuart Law, Windies head coach was quoted saying, "Kemar Roach is a very experienced fast bowler with great skill. He is one of our leaders. It is a big loss. Having said that, Shannon Gabriel has been outstanding in the last couple of Tests, that too in similar conditions to India." 

Further emphasising on the importance of Roach, who exhibited brilliant form during the home Test summer against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Law added, "Missing Kemar is a big hole but we have got some bright talents coming through in Keemo Paul and Sherman Lewis. Sometimes it is better going with the known to surprise the opposition. Pace has been our strength," 

(Inputs from India TV)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 02 Oct, 2018

    Share Via