WI vs SL 1st Test. Kemar Roach joins West Indies legends as host script record win over Sri Lanka | Cricket News:
Kemar Roach: etched his name alongside some of West Indies’ greatest fast bowlers as the veteran seamer claimed his 300th Test wicket during a dominant innings-and-217-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test, a result that also became one of the biggest victories in the Caribbean side’s history.The tight win gave the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marked their sixth biggest win by a margin in the course of 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 only the fifth West Indies bowler to reach the coveted 300-Test-wicket landmark, joining legendary names Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall and Lance Gibbs in an exclusive club.“It has been a long journey,” an emotional Roach said after the milestone. “Well done by the team and Roston Chasewho had his first win as captain, and first win for Daren Sammy as coach.”
“I’m glad you make me proud”
Roach reserved special thanks for his teammates and family after achieving one of cricket’s most cherished milestones.“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for these guys. Thanks to my family and I know my mom is watching. She’s proud. Thank you all, I really appreciate it and I’m glad to make you proud in any way.”His landmark wicket came when he bowled Asitha Fernando to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 84-for 9, effectively sealing the match and his place among the West Indies’ all-time greats.Roach led a ferocious attack that revealed Sri Lanka’s batting on a cloudy morning. Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph combined well with the veteran as the visitors folded in dramatic fashion.Sri Lanka resumed the day at 15 for 1 but were quickly broken. Roach caught Nishan Madushka lbw before Seales dismissed night watchman Kasun Rajitha. Shamar Joseph 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, with 43, offered meaningful resistance as the visitors crumbled under the relentless pace and movement.
The world-record stand set the platform
While Roach finished the job with the ball, the match was effectively decided a day earlier when Amir Jangoo and captain Roston Chase rewrote the record books.The pair put together a world-record 401-run partnership for the sixth wicket, lifting West Indies to 626 for 9 declared after they took a commanding 318-run first-innings out of Sri Lanka’s 308.The mammoth stand changed the contest before the pace quartet completed the demolition on the final morning.The comprehensive victory also lifted the West Indies from the bottom of the standings in the World Test Championship after they lost seven of their last eight matches in the competition.West Indies head into the second and final Test at the same venue on Friday brimming with confidence as they look to complete a memorable series sweep.
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