Six years ago many thought Kemar Roach’s career would be over following a car accident. However, he overcame that obstacle to become the first West Indian to reach 200 wickets after 26 years and for Roach, the journey is the story.
Speaking to the media recently, the 32-year-old pacer reflected on his career which was highlighted by sheer hard work and determination.
“The journey has been amazing. I’ve come through the system you can say from Under-19, Kiddy cricket straight up to the senior level and my biggest aim is to perform. It is hard work, fast bowling isn’t easy so it is all about hard work and being able to enjoy as well,” he stated.
The speedster, who began his career 11 years ago, said there have been some god moments along the way.
“I’ve had some very good moments around here and hopefully, I can have a lot more for the West Indies, just keep pushing, keep moving and without hard work nothing comes easy so it’s just about keep focusing and keep performing.”
But though the fruitful career has revived the image of West Indian pacers, Roach was cognizant of the many challenges that plagued his career such as injuries and the crash.
“I’ve been through a lot cricketing wise, as you indicated just now those incidents were setbacks in my career in progressing obviously and getting to the pinnacle and mark I’d like to reach for me,” he stated. He described reaching the landmark as “heartwarming.”
“It’s heartwarming and kind of touching to see where I’ve been and where I came from, just the whole journey. It’s been a long, tough journey for me and I am up for the fight. I’m up to seeing how much longer I can go and perform for the West Indies, that’s the pinnacle for me, just to go out there and put my best foot forward and put West Indies in a good position that’s always been the goal.”
Nevertheless, Roach acknowledged that he has always been conscious of milestones and is hopeful or crossing 300 wickets and 100 Tests.
“I base my career on milestones actually, five-wicket hauls, 100 wickets, 150 wickets I base my career on that. To get to that is obviously means you’re doing well so I push myself to get to these milestones so that’s a motivating factor for me and this 200 is one definitely to tick off the list and let’s see what 250 looks like and 300 looks like,” he expressed.
