WI vs SL 1st Test: Kemar Roach joins West Indies legends as hosts record win in 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 went down as one of the greatest victories in the Caribbean side’s history.The emphatic triumph gave the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marked their sixth biggest win by a run margin in Test cricket. Roach finished with figures of 4 for 51 as Sri Lanka were skittled 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 Indian 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’s been a long journey,” said an emotional Roach after the milestone. “Well done to the team and Roston Chasewho had his first win as captain, and the first win for Daren Sammy as coach.”
“I’m glad I made you proud”
Roach reserved a special thank you for his teammates and family after reaching 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. Thanks to everyone, I really appreciate it and I’m glad I did them proud in some way.”His landmark wicket came when he bowled Asitha Fernando to leave Sri Lanka at 84 for 9, effectively sealing the match and his place among West Indies’ all-time greats.Roach led a ruthless pace attack that exposed the Sri Lankan batting on an overcast morning. Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph combined brilliantly with the veteran as the visitors folded in dramatic fashion.Sri Lanka resumed the day on 15 for 1, but unraveled quickly. Roach trapped 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 Kusal Mendis.Only Dinesh Chandimal, on 43, offered significant resistance as the visitors crumbled under relentless pace and movement.
A world record stand set the platform
While Roach finished the job with the ball, the match was decided a day earlier when Amir Jangoo and captain Roston Chase rewrote the record books.The pair put on a world record partnership of 401 runs for the sixth wicket, lifting the West Indies to 626 for 9 declared after securing a first innings lead of 318 runs over Sri Lanka’s 308.The mammoth stand transformed the competition before the peace quartet finished the demolition last morning.The comprehensive victory also lifted the West Indies off the bottom of the World Test Championship table after losing seven of their previous eight matches in the competition.West Indies will go into the second and final Test at the same venue on Friday brimming with confidence as they look to complete a memorable series.
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