Kemar Roach is not part of West Indies' tour of England

West Indies are set to tour England for a three-Test series starting this Wednesday, but long-time pace spearhead Kemar Roach will not be part of the visitors' squad, due to an injury sustained on County Championship duty with Surrey.

Cricket West Indies announced the initial squad for the Eng vs WI tour on June 4. Kemar Roach had been included in the 15-strong touring party, to be led by captain Kraigg Brathwaite. There were a couple of recalls, for fast bowler Jayden Seales and all-rounder Jason Holder.

However, on June 27, it was announced that Roach had to withdraw from the England vs WI 2024 Squaddue to a knee injury, sustained during his County Championship stint with Surrey. Now 36, Roach has 18 wickets in six matches so far this season. West Indies lead selector Desmond Haynes said Roach's "skill and experience in English conditions will be missed".

Since his debut in July 2009, Roach has missed 37 Test matches for a variety of reasons including injury, but earned 81 caps. With 270 Test wickets, he is West Indies' fifth-highest wicket taker of all time behind Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall, and Lance Gibbs. He made his name as a supreme bowler in home conditions, with 184 wickets at 22.5. His record in England reads 27 wickets in eight Tests at 33.1.

Roach's absence left a gaping hole in West Indies' pace attack, experience-wise. All-rounder Holder is the most seasoned fast bowler with 64 caps to his name, followed by Alzarri Joseph with 32. Seales has played 10 matches and Shamar Joseph just two, although the latter did bowl West Indies to a famous win over Australia at the Gabba in their most recent Test match earlier this year.

Roach's replacement is the uncapped Jeremiah Louis, brother of opening batter Mikyle Louis who is also yet to make his debut for the West Indies. There is an outside chance of both brothers debuting together.

Fast bowler Isai Thorne, who represented the West Indies at the U19 World Cup in February, is also part of the squad as a development player.

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