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Kemar Roach Returns to West Indies Test Squad

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Kemar Roach returns as West Indies name squad for New Zealand Test series

Kemar Roach West Indies Squad: A Veteran’s Return to Steer the Ship

In a move that blends experience with emerging talent, the West Indies Cricket Board has recalled veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand in December 2025. The 36-year-old speedster, who last featured in Tests during the home series against Australia earlier this year, returns to bolster a pace attack hit hard by injuries—and in desperate need of leadership .

Roach’s inclusion isn’t just about wickets; it’s about mentorship, rhythm, and the kind of calm under pressure that only 75+ Tests can provide. With the Joseph brothers—Shannon and Rahkeem—ruled out due to fitness issues, the door has opened for youth, but the West Indies aren’t taking chances. They’ve brought back their most reliable new-ball operator to anchor the line and length while grooming the next generation.

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Kemar Roach West Indies Squad Announcement

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection panel, led by Robert Haynes, unveiled a 16-man squad that balances seasoned campaigners with fresh faces. Alongside Roach, the pace department includes Alzarri Joseph (fit again after minor setbacks), Jayden Seales, and the uncapped left-arm quick Ojay Shields—a 23-year-old from Jamaica who has impressed in the regional first-class circuit .

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite welcomed Roach’s return: “Kemar brings energy, discipline, and that winning mindset we need in tough overseas conditions. His presence alone lifts the entire group.”

The squad has undergone two weeks of intensive camp in Antigua, focusing on seam movement, short-pitched bowling, and batting resilience—key skills for the swinging, seaming conditions expected in New Zealand.

Why Roach’s Return Is Timely

New Zealand’s pitches in December are notoriously challenging for visiting teams—green, moist, and offering consistent seam movement. In such conditions, control and consistency trump raw pace.

Roach excels here:

  • He has taken 12 wickets in 4 Tests in New Zealand at an average of 28.5.
  • His line-and-length discipline is among the best in the modern game.
  • He’s one of only three West Indian pacers with 300+ Test wickets (327 and counting) .

More importantly, with Shannon Joseph sidelined and Rahkeem still recovering from back stress fractures, the West Indies’ pace depth looked dangerously thin. Roach’s return plugs that gap and gives the team a genuine strike option alongside Alzarri Joseph.

Ojay Shields: Maiden Call-Up, A New Hope

While Roach brings experience, Ojay Shields represents the future. The left-arm quick from Kingston earned his maiden Test call-up after a breakout season in the West Indies Championship:

  • 24 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 19.3.
  • Best figures of 7/45 against Guyana.
  • Praised by coaches for his ability to reverse swing the old ball.

Though unlikely to start in the XI unless conditions heavily favor spin or extra pace, Shields’ inclusion signals CWI’s commitment to long-term planning. He’s being groomed as a potential successor to the aging pace battery.

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Injury Crisis and Pacing Depth

The absence of the Joseph brothers is a significant blow:

  1. Shannon Joseph: Suffered a hamstring strain during the CPL and hasn’t regained full fitness.
  2. Rahkeem Joseph: Still managing chronic back issues that have limited his red-ball availability since 2023.

This leaves the West Indies with just three frontline pacers in the squad: Roach, Alzarri Joseph, and Seales. All-rounder Justin Greaves may provide backup, but the team is clearly walking a tightrope. That’s why Roach’s fitness and availability for both Tests are being closely monitored by the medical team.

West Indies’ World Test Championship Ambitions

Currently ranked 8th in the ICC World Test Championship standings, the West Indies know that a strong showing in New Zealand could propel them into the top six—and keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Final alive .

They’ve lost 6 of their last 8 overseas Tests, so this series is as much about pride as it is about points. Coach Andre Coley emphasized: “We’re not just touring—we’re competing to win. Kemar’s leadership and Ojay’s hunger embody that spirit.”

A series win in New Zealand would be their first since 1999—a fact that adds historical weight to this campaign.

Conclusion

The inclusion of Kemar Roach in the West Indies squad for New Zealand is more than a tactical decision—it’s a statement of intent. At a time when injuries threaten to derail their momentum, Roach’s return provides stability, class, and a calming influence for a team striving to reclaim its place among Test cricket’s elite. Paired with emerging talents like Ojay Shields, this blend of old and new could mark the beginning of a renaissance for West Indies red-ball cricket. As they prepare to face the Black Caps on foreign soil, one thing is clear: experience is back in the XI, and the fight for relevance has just intensified.

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