Kemar Roach Determined to “Ruin” James Anderson’s Retirement Test, Focus on West Indies’ Series Win

Cric News India IPL News 2025

May 14, 2024 0 823

West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach, while praising James Anderson as one of the greatest fast bowlers, expressed his hope that his team can disrupt Anderson’s farewell Test and focus on securing a series win.

Kemar Roach, the West Indies fast bowler, is determined to disrupt James Anderson’s farewell Test at Lord’s in July, urging his teammates to foil England’s plans for the veteran seamer’s grand exit. Roach’s recent impressive performance against Warwickshire, where he took six wickets for 46 runs, signals a return to form for the West Indian seamers, including Jayden Seales and Jason Holder, who have also shown promise domestically. With Shamar and Alzarri Joseph in contention, West Indies possess one of their strongest pace attacks in years, aiming for a historic away series win against England, last achieved in 1988.

Despite Anderson’s impending retirement, Roach remains focused on West Indies’ goals, prioritizing a series victory on English soil. Nevertheless, reflecting on Anderson’s remarkable career, Roach praised him as one of the greatest fast bowlers, acknowledging his significant contributions to English cricket.

“First Test match against us…hopefully, we ruin it. He’s always given me great advice as well. He will go down as one of the greatest to ever do it. I wish him all the best after that Test match, and hopefully he enjoys whatever comes next,” Roach said.

“It’s a very highly talented and skilful group. We’ve not had the best of times over here in England, so it’s more about focusing on us – not what they’re going to do for him. He’s going to get what he deserves. But it’s all about us working hard to get what we deserve, which is a series win over here in England,” he added.

Notably, Roach credited his recent success to hard work with Surrey’s coaching staff, expressing his determination to continue playing and mentor younger players. With two games remaining in his current stint with Surrey, Roach aims to maintain his excellent form and support his team’s pursuit of a third consecutive Championship title.

“I have no retirement time in sight. I think I can go as long as I want, but obviously it’s all on performances. The older you get, you need to have performances to stay in the team. I’ve been doing well, but I just want to keep helping the youngsters so they’re in a good space, mentally and physically. I’ll be happy to see those guys going after me and breaking those records if they have to,” he concluded.