Full Name: Kemar Andre Jamal Roach Date of Birth: June 30, 1988 Birthplace: Saint Lucy, Barbados Role: Right-Arm Fast Bowler | Test Specialist Kemar Roach has stood tall as one of the most consistent and enduring fast bowlers in modern West Indies cricket. Quiet, composed, and deadly with the ball, Roach has defied injuries, transitions, and changing formats to etch his name among the Caribbean’s fast bowling elite. Born in the northern parish of Saint Lucy, Barbados, Roach rose from humble beginnings. From local village games to under-19 cricket, his raw pace caught the eyes of selectors early. Short in stature compared to the towering West Indian quicks of yesteryear, Roach made up for it with rhythm, reverse swing, and relentless accuracy. He made his Test debut in 2009, and his early performances were explosive. His breakout moment came during the 2009 tour of Australia, where he consistently bowled at 145+ km/h, even rattling Ricky Ponting with a fierce bouncer. In 2012, he etched his name in history by becoming the first West Indian to take a Test hat-trick in over 10 years, against Bangladesh. Career highlights include: - Over 270 Test wickets, placing him among West Indies' top 10 all-time Test wicket-takers - 10 five-wicket hauls, including match-defining spells in England and India - Best Test figures of 6/48 - Leading bowler in the 2019 series win vs England, picking up 18 wickets - Represented Surrey in county cricket with tremendous success Roach reinvented himself after a career-threatening ankle injury in 2014. He lost some pace but evolved into a master of control and late movement. His transition from a tearaway pacer to a thinking, skillful operator has been one of the most impressive evolutions in modern Test cricket. He rarely plays white-ball matches now, preferring to focus on Test cricket, where his discipline and experience continue to lead West Indies’ attack. Off the field, Roach is a private, humble figure who prefers action over words. He’s also taken a mentorship role for young West Indian pacers, helping the next generation rise with guidance and example. With jersey number 24, Kemar Roach represents the heart and resilience of West Indies fast bowling—unassuming in appearance, devastating in effect, and unwavering in commitment to the maroon.