New Delhi, India

Veteran West Indies seamer Kemar Roach has pulled out of the upcoming England Tests after suffering a knee injury while playing for Surrey in the County Championship. The right-arm seamer, who will turn 36 on Sunday (June 30), was set to lead the pace attack against England in the first Test beginning July 10 at Lord’s in London. Uncapped seamer Jeremiah Louis has replaced Roach in the Test squad. 

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"Kemar's skill and experience in English conditions will be missed," Desmond Haynes, West Indies' lead selector, said. "However, this opportunity has been long in the making for Jeremiah Louis. He certainly has the skill and experience to make an impact in England."

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Meanwhile, Roach picked 18 wickets at 25.77 in six County games this season for the defending champions. Known for bowling rockets with the new ball and once it starts reversing, his best came against Warwickshire at the Kia Oval in May, wherein he returned with figures of six for 46. Roach then picked four wickets in his last game of the season against Worcestershire.

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Roach has been a pillar in the bowling attack for over a decade, picking 270 wickets at an incredible average of 27.74 – placing him fifth on the list of highest wicket-takers for West Indies in Tests. Besides, 61 of those wickets have come against England in 16 outings since first playing against them at Lord’s in 2012. 

Wanted to spoil Anderson’s farewell

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Roach was the one who admitted that West Indies would love to spoil James Anderson’s farewell – a veteran Test bowler who has picked 700 wickets in 187 Tests. Anderson decided to call it quits after a glorious 21-year-long career.

The West Indies’ seamer also commented on his retirement plans earlier this year saying, "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 added. 

West Indies squad for England Tests –

Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph (vc), Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, Gudakesh Motie, Jeremiah Louis, Jayden Seales and Kevin Sinclair

(With inputs from agencies)