WI vs BAN: Kemar Roach Joins West Indies Squad After Clearing Fitness Test

West Indies added senior pace bowler Kemar Roach to their squad ahead of the first Test match against Bangladesh on Thursday in Antigua.

Roach had sustained an injury while County Cricket for Surrey and was uncertain to play the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, which is also part of the World Test Championship 2021-2023.

Kemar Roach added to West Indies 13-member Test squad for Bangladesh Tests

On the eve of the first Test, Cricket West Indies confirmed that Roach passed a fitness assessment and was added as the 13th player of their squad for the two Tests against Bangladesh.

Roach, who has 242 Test scalps in 71 games, is the leading wicket-taker for West Indies amongst active players in the traditional format of cricket. Roach could likely pair with Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers in the pace quartet of the West Indies bowling attack.

Kemar Roach is always an inspiration for the younger players we have here: Phil Simmons

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons said Roach has the charm to inspire youngsters in the team and the addition of the 33-year-old is a major boost for their side.

West Indies are currently placed sixth on the points table of ICC WTC 2021-2023 with just a couple of victories each against Pakistan and England while losing three games and drawing two. West Indies have a win percentage of 35.71.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh are languishing at the bottom of the points table (ninth place) with a solitary win against New Zealand, six losses and one draw in eight Tests.

The first Test between West Indies and Bangladesh starts on Thursday (June 16) at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

West Indies Test squad against Bangladesh: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), John Campbell, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Raymon Reifer, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Devon Thomas.