Star WI Pacer Ruled Out Of England Tests Due To Knee Injury; Replacement Named

Kemar Roach is the linchpin of West Indies' bowling attack (X.com)

In what comes as a significant blow to West Indies, seasoned pacer Kemar Roach has been ruled out of the upcoming Test tour of England due to a knee injury.

The 35-year-old seamer, who has claimed 270 wickets in 81 Tests, sustained the injury while playing for Surrey in the County Championship this season.

West Indies squad update: Jeremiah Louis in, Kemar Roach out due to injury

Kemar Roach's absence leaves a gaping hole in the West Indies' bowling arsenal, but the team is not throwing in the towel. Uncapped seamer, Jeremiah Louis, with First-Class experience galore for St Kitts and Nevis, has been called up to don the maroon cap.

The 28-year-old joins a promising pace unit featuring former captain Jason Holder, and fast bowlers Alzarri and Shamar Joseph, and Jayden Seales, all eager to make their mark in English conditions.

"Kemar's skill and experience in English conditions will be missed however this opportunity has been long in the making for Jeremiah Louis, he certainly has the skill and experience to make an impact in England," said Desmond Haynes, the lead selector for Cricket West Indies, in a media statement.

The West Indies squad for England series, currently training at Tonbridge School, is gearing up for a 3-day warm-up match against the England Lions at Beckenham starting on July 4.

This will set the stage for the three-Test series, which begins at the Lord's Cricket Ground on July 10. The series will continue with matches at Trent Bridge and Edgbaston on July 18 and July 26, respectively.

Adding to the excitement, the first ENG vs WI Test at Lord's will mark the swan song of veteran England bowler James Anderson, bringing an end to an illustrious career.

Despite the loss of losing their pace spearhead, West Indies will be ready to roll up their sleeves and take on England, with fresh faces and a fighting spirit. It's time to see who will step up to the wicket and deliver in the absence of Roach.

West Indies squad for England Tests

Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva, Jason Holder, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, Gudakesh Motie, Jeremiah Louis, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair

---

ALSO READ

'We Didn't Bat Well..,' Rovman Powell Reflects On Heartbreaking T20 WC Defeat vs SA

---