WI vs SL 1st Test: Kemar Roach joins West Indies legends as hosts record win over Sri Lanka
Kemar Roach marked his name alongside West Indies’ best bowlers as the veteran picked up his 300th Test wicket in an innings and 217-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test, a result that also went down as one of the biggest wins in the history of the Caribbean side.
The emphatic win gave the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marked their sixth-biggest run win in Test cricket. Roach finished with 4 for 51 as Sri Lanka scored 101 in their second innings in just 31 overs on day four.
The 37-year-old became only the fifth West Indies bowler to reach the coveted milestone of 300 wickets, joining the likes of Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall and Lance Gibbs in an exclusive club.
“It’s been a long journey,” said an emotional Roach after the milestone. “He did well for the team and Roston Chase, who got his first win as captain, and Daren Sammy’s first win as coach.”
‘I’m glad I made you proud’
Roach reserved a special thank you for his teammates and family after achieving one of the most treasured records in cricket.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for these guys. Thank you to my family and I know my mom is watching. She’s proud. Thank you to everyone, thank you very much and I’m glad I made you proud in some way.”
His historic wicket came when he bowled Asitha Fernando to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 84 for 9, a great result for the game and his place among the West Indies’ greats.
Roach led a ferocious attack that produced Sri Lanka’s batting on an overcast morning. Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph combined well with the veterans as the visitors rolled in spectacular fashion.
Sri Lanka resumed the day on 15 for 1 but were soon settled. Roach dismissed Nishan Madushka lbw before Seales dismissed night watchman Kasun Rajitha. Shamar Joseph then removed Kamindu Mendis and first-innings centurion Dhananjaya de Silva, while Alzarri Joseph added to the misery by cleaning up Kusal Mendis.
Only Dinesh Chandimal, on 43, offered meaningful resistance as the visitors crumbled under the relentless pace and movement.
The record setting set the scene
While Roach finished the job with the ball, the game was effectively decided the previous day when Amir Jangoo and captain Roston Chase rewrote the record books.
The pair put on a world record 401 runs for the sixth wicket, lifting West Indies to 626 for 9 after they scored a first innings total of 318 runs for Sri Lanka’s 308.
A huge stand changed the competition before the pace quartet completed the demolition on the final morning.
The comprehensive victory lifted the West Indies back into the World Test Championship race after losing seven of their last eight matches in the tournament.
West Indies will go into the second and final Test at the same venue on Friday full of confidence as they look to complete an unforgettable series.
