HAMILTON, New Zealand — West Indies head coach Daren Sammy is convinced that the return of seasoned fast bowler Kemar Roach will dramatically elevate his team’s competitiveness in next month’s three-Test series against New Zealand.
With a mounting injury list depleting the regional fast-bowling arsenal, Sammy believes Roach’s experience, skill, and familiarity with Kiwi conditions make him an invaluable asset.
Roach’s selection in the 15-man squad was hardly a surprise. With Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Ramon Simmonds, and Jediah Blades all sidelined, the 37-year-old Barbadian emerged as the natural choice to anchor the attack alongside Jayden Seales. His call-up became even more likely after his participation in a High-Performance preparation camp hosted by Cricket West Indies (CWI) earlier this month.
From the fringe back to the forefront
Just months ago, Roach’s international future looked bleak. Omitted from the squad for the home series against Australia in July and then passed over again for the India Tests in October, his absence suggested a quiet winding down of a distinguished career. His last appearance came during the drawn series against Pakistan in January.
Yet Sammy, speaking during a CWI virtual press conference on Thursday, insisted that Roach’s pedigree makes him indispensable to the upcoming campaign.
A proven threat to New Zealand
Of Roach’s 284 Test wickets, ranking him fifth on the all-time West Indies list, 36 have been claimed against New Zealand. Only England (61) and Bangladesh (53) have surrendered more scalps to him.
“Kemar has done really well against New Zealand,” Sammy said. “I’m really excited because when you miss out on two of your leading guys over the last year and you could rely on somebody of the experience of Kemar, in conditions that will be favorable to him with his experience, it gives you the hope that we can compete, we can be effective and we can push through for victories and I can’t wait.”
Discipline the key to success
Sammy emphasized that Roach’s impact will depend not only on his own motivation and discipline but on the team’s collective resolve.
“I expect to see a motivated Kemar Roach, but more importantly, a disciplined Kemar Roach,” he continued. “It will take a lot of discipline from not only Kemar, but from our batters, from our bowlers… to stick to the plans and the processes that we have to implement in order to be successful here in New Zealand.”
Selection headaches ahead and Sammy welcomes them
With Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph expected to return early next year, many believe Roach may once again be squeezed out. Sammy, however, insists the door will remain open, especially if Roach thrives on this tour.
In fact, the head coach would welcome the kind of selection dilemma that strong depth creates, particularly with Test series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh on the horizon in 2026.
“I really wish he comes here and puts on a show and then afterwards he comes and says, ‘Coach, I should have been here’. I would love that actually,” Sammy said.
“It would give me a great place to be… If we have a performing [Johann] Layne, a performing Anderson [Phillip] and a performing Kemar, and then we have the services of Alzarri and Shamar back in the squad, then it puts West Indies fast bowling back in a great position to select from.”
