KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Kemar Roach has labelled Sunday's dramatic one-run victory over Pakistan in the opening Test at Sabina Park, as the most significant of his 66-Test career.
The 33-year-old batted for a shade over 1-½ hours for an unbeaten 30 that fired West Indies to their target of 168, after the innings lay in ruins at 114 for seven at tea and then 151 for nine, an hour later at Sabina Park.
“It was a big victory. I think it's the biggest victory for me in Test cricket,” said Roach, who arrived at the crease immediately after tea with 54 runs required, following Jason Holder's demise to the last delivery before the break.
“The way we fought or had to fight to get this win was really strong stuff. It was good to see the guys sticking together obviously. The support on the balcony while I was batting was amazing and then the communication in the middle was simple. I think that's what helped us to execute as well as we did.
“It's a good win, it's gone down in history. Now it's on to the next one.”
West Indies found themselves wobbling on 16 for three in the eighth over of the run chase after a devastating new-ball spell from left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi accounted for Kieran Powell (4), captain Kraigg Brathwaite (2) and Nkrumah Bonner (5) in quick succession.
Vice-captain Jermaine Blackwood top-scored with 55 in a 68-run, fourth wicket stand with Roston Chase (22) but they were part of a collapse which saw four wickets tumble for 30 runs to leave the hosts tottering at the second interval.
https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lat...est’_of_career,_says_Roach?profile=1228
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