Congratulations Flow as Roach Reaches 300 and Chase and Sammy Secure First Test Victory
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium played host to a historic double celebration on Sunday, as veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach became just the fifth West Indian to claim 300 Test wickets, powering the regional side to a crushing innings-and-217-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test.
Roach, the enduring workhorse of the West Indies pace attack for over a decade, reached the coveted milestone to join an elite pantheon of bowling royalty: Sir Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Malcolm Marshall, and Lance Gibbs.
The 37-year-old’s landmark scalp arrived during a dominant display that underscored the team’s renewed vigour under new leadership.
“It is a remarkable accomplishment and a fitting tribute to Kemar’s outstanding career,” said Cricket West Indies President Dr. The Honourable Kishore Shallow. “To stand alongside those legends is a testament to his unwavering professionalism and exceptional commitment. He has been the standard-bearer for West Indies fast bowling, delivering time and again with skill, heart, and determination.”
While Roach’s milestone was the headline act, the victory itself signalled a fresh dawn for the red-ball side. The triumph marked the first Test win for Captain Roston Chase and Head Coach Daren Sammy in their respective leadership roles, offering a powerful platform for the future.
Chase led from the front with a majestic captain’s knock of 194, while debutant Amir Jangoo announced himself on the international stage with a breathtaking maiden double century of 233.
Their monumental partnership laid the foundation for an innings victory that left the Sri Lankans reeling.
Dr Shallow praised the collective effort, stating, “This victory is a significant moment for our Test team. It is equally fitting to recognise the outstanding individual performances that underpinned this triumph. With much work still ahead, I appreciate that this victory gives our players and supporters renewed confidence and provides us with an excellent platform to build on.”
As the celebrations subside, the focus shifts to the remainder of the series. The West Indies will look to carry this momentum forward when they resume their campaign against Sri Lanka on July 3rd.
