West Indies have recalled veteran Kemar Roach in the ODI set up for the series against India, set to be played in February. Roach, 33, was a tearaway fast bowler in his prime, but now relies more on his length and the surprise ability to skid on the one-off delivery. He last played for Windies when India toured the Caribbean shores in 2019.
"Kemar Roach is one of our leading fast bowlers and we believe we need bowlers upfront to get early wicket, and Kemar, with an economy rate of five, is certainly good enough to play,” selector Desmond Haynes was quoted as per Cricbuzz.
Haynes stated that the selection for the squad is aimed at providing competition in the team ahead of the 2023 World Cup in India.
"We want to have competition for places. We want to reach a stage where we have a lot of players fighting for positions. We want to broaden the pool of players we have to choose from. The team we have selected is a very good side and we are looking at this tour as part of the preparations for the World Cup in India in 2023.”
Barring Roach, Nkrumah Bonner and Brandon King have also been called back into the team.
Full Squad
Kieron Pollard (C), Fabian Allen, Nkrumah Bonner, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Jason Holder, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr.