Kemar Roach recalled for England Tests

Pacer will represent West Indies in five-day format for the first time in more than year and a half

NORTH CAROLINA: Fast-bowler Kemar Roach has been recalled to the West Indies squad for their three-Test tour of England starting next month, the selection panel said on Saturday.

Roach, who has not played in the five-day format for 18 months, was chosen after displaying fine form in domestic competition, said chairman of selectors Courtney Browne.

“Kemar’s return is welcomed as he was one of the best pacer in Tests in the recent past for us,” said Browne. “He may not be bowling as quickly as before, but still possesses that skill we all knew he had, plus his experience adds greater depth to the attack.”

Roach has played 37 Tests, taking 122 wickets at an average of 30.23.

Uncapped opening batsman Kyle Hope and left-handed all-rounder Raymon Reifer were also chosen in the 15-man squad.

But Darren Bravo, who has recently apologies for calling Cricket West Indies president Dave Cameron a “big idiot” in a tweet following disagreement over his playing contract late last year not been picked, missed out once again.

Bravo, who has a very respectable test batting average of exactly 40, will be eligible for selection for future matches.

West Indies will play three Tests against England before a new squad is chosen for five one-day internationals and one T20 game.

Squad:

Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Braithwaite (vice-captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach