India vs Windies | Kemar Roach ruled out of series opener due to grandmother’s death

West Indies face a tough challenge ahead of them as they gear up to face a strong Indian team in the two-match Test series which will begin on October 4. However, the Jason Holder-led team will be without the services of pace spearhead - Kemar Roach in the series opener in Rajkot.

Roach was forced to fly back home in Barbados after he received the news of his grandmother's death. Roach will rejoin the squad midway through the first Test which starts on Thursday. 

“Kemar is not back yet. He had a bereavement in the family and will be joining the team midway through the first Test. Kemar Roach is a very experienced fast bowler with great skill. He is one of our leaders. It is a big loss. Having said that, Shannon Gabriel has been outstanding in the last couple of Tests, that too in similar conditions to India,” said West Indies coach Stuart Law on Tuesday.

Roach has played a total of 48 Tests for Windies and has picked up a total of 163 wickets at 28.31. The Australian cricketer-turned-coach expressed his confidence in the abilities of the pace attack which comprised the likes of Gabriel (37 Tests), captain Jason Holder (34), Keemo Paul (1) and the uncapped Sherman Lewis, who replaced the injured Alzzarri Joseph.

“Missing Kemar is a big hole but we have got some bright talents coming through in Keemo Paul and Sherman Lewis. Sometimes it is better going with the known to surprise the opposition. Pace has been our strength,” added Law.

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