Roach in the nets at Oval as WI seek replacements for injured pacers

Kemar Roach was seen in tip-top shape in the nets at Kensington Oval on Tuesday looking fit and ready for a return to the big stage. The 37-year-old with 284 wickets in an illustrious 85-match Test career, was spotted bowling at full speed in the nets alongside Barbados-born England players Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan. They joined the Barbados Pride players as they continued intense preparations for the upcoming Super50 List A tournament in Trinidad.

Roach’s unexpected presence has fueled speculation that he is in line for a call-up for the West Indies upcoming tour of New Zealand where the Windies will face the Black Caps in three Test matches in December in Christ Church, Wellington and Mount Maunganui. Archer meanwhile is working in the build-up for the upcoming blockbuster Ashes as England take on Australia.

Roach is 50 on the West Indies all time wicket-takers list in Test cricket but has played at the international level since the tour of Pakistan in February. He was ignored for the three Test matches against Australia at home earlier this year as well as the two Tests in India earlier this month. He is expected to be recalled following injuries to Shamar Joseph (shoulder) and Jediah Blades (stress fracture of the back) as well as uncertainty over the fitness of Alzarri Joseph and Matthew Forde.

NATION online posed the question directly to Roach about his availability and possible return to West Indies colours. He cleverly sidestepped the topic and instead said he was in the nets primarily to keep his body in tip-top shape and work on his bowling skills.

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