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Veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach has made a welcome return to the West Indies squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. The series, set to take place in Trinidad and Guyana, will commence on August 7.
Return of Kemar Roach to the West Indies Test squad
Roach’s inclusion brings a wealth of experience to the Caribbean side and provides a significant boost to their pace attack.
Roach, known for his sharp bowling and ability to exploit home conditions, last played for the West Indies in their away series against Australia. His return is seen as a crucial addition, especially given the team’s recent struggles in the longest format of the game. The West Indies will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing 3-0 whitewash in England and improve their standing in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) table, where they currently sit at the bottom with one win in seven games.
Alzarri Joseph rested for South Africa Tests
However, the squad will be without vice-captain Alzarri Joseph, who has been rested to manage his workload. “We have decided to rest our vice-captain Alzarri Joseph for this series,” head coach Andre Coley said in a Cricket West Indies (CWI) press release.
“Alzarri has had a considerable workload recently, and this break will allow him to recuperate and return to peak performance.”
Another notable absentee is off-spin bowling allrounder Kevin Sinclair, who is recovering from a fractured left forearm sustained during the England tour. Sinclair was injured by a ball from Mark Wood in Nottingham and has not yet fully recovered.
The West Indies will be looking to make the most of their home advantage, with the fast bowlers expected to thrive in the conditions. Roach’s experience and skill will be pivotal as the team faces a formidable South African side.
As the West Indies prepare for the upcoming series, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how the team performs with Roach back in the squad and whether they can secure a much-needed victory against South Africa.
West Indies’ Test squad for South Africa series:
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Joshua Da Silva (vc), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Bryan Charles, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican
