Kemar Roach put his name alongside West Indies’ fastest bowlers as the all-rounder took his 300th Test wicket in a massive win against Sri Lanka in the opening match, a result that also went down as one of the greatest victories in Caribbean history.The emphatic win gave the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marked their sixth straight win in Test cricket. Roach finished with figures of 4 for 51 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 101 in their second innings in just 31 overs on the fourth day.The 37-year-old became the fifth West Indies bowler to reach the coveted 300-Test-wicket mark, joining legendary names Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall and Lance Gibbs in an exclusive club.“It’s been a long journey,” an emotional Roach said after the event. “It’s a good team Roston Chasefirst win as captain, and Daren Sammy’s first win as coach.”
‘I’m hungry and proud of you’
Roach reserved a special thank you for his teammates and family after achieving one of cricket’s most important milestones.“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for these guys. Because of my family and I know my mom is watching. She’s proud. Thank you to everyone, I’m so grateful and I’m glad I made you proud in some way.”His standout score came when he bowled Asitha Fernando to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 84 for 9, sealing the feat and his place among West Indies’ greatest bowlers.Roach led a brutal attack that marked Sri Lanka’s batting on a rainy morning. Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph combined well with the veteran as the visitors made a stunning comeback.Sri Lanka resumed the day at 15 for 1 but unraveled quickly. Roach trapped Nishan Madushka lbw before Seales dismissed night-keeper Kasun Rajitha. Shamar Joseph then removed Kamindu Mendis and first centurion Dhananjaya de Silva, while Alzarri Joseph added to the misery by cleaning up Kusal Mendis.It was only Dinesh Chandimal, who is 43 years old, who protested clearly as the visitors were rocked by the constant pace and pace.
A world-renowned representative laid the platform
While Roach got the job done with the ball, the game was decided yesterday with Amir Jangoo and captain Roston Chase also writing in the record books.The pair put together a 401-run international partnership for the sixth wicket, lifting West Indies to 626 for 9 after gaining an early lead of 318 runs over Sri Lanka’s 308.The Mammoth stand changed the race before the pace quartet completed the demolition on the final morning.The massive win also lifted the West Indies off the bottom of the World Test Championship after losing seven of their previous eight matches in the tournament.West Indies will head into the second and final Test at the same venue on Friday full of confidence as they look to complete a memorable sweep.
