Uncapped Seamer Jeremiah Louis Joins West Indies Squad for England Test Tour
West Indies’ veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach has been ruled out of the upcoming Test tour of England due to a knee injury sustained while playing for Surrey in the County Championship. In his place, the selectors have named uncapped pacer Jeremiah Louis from St Kitts and Nevis.
Roach, who turns 36 this Sunday, had been in fine form for Surrey, having claimed 18 wickets at an average of 25.77 in six appearances this season. His match-winning spell of 6 for 46 against Warwickshire at the Kia Oval in May showcased his enduring reverse-swing abilities. However, after picking up four more wickets in Surrey’s win against Worcestershire, Roach missed the final match of his county stint against Hampshire.
“This opportunity has been long in the making for Jeremiah Louis. He certainly has the skill and experience to make an impact in England.”
- Desmond Haynes, the lead selector
With West Indies gearing up for the first Test against England at Lord’s on July 10, Roach’s experience and skills in English conditions will be missed. Desmond Haynes, the lead selector, acknowledged this but expressed confidence in Jeremiah Louis, stating, “This opportunity has been long in the making for Jeremiah Louis. He certainly has the skill and experience to make an impact in England.”
Jeremiah Louis, the brother of West Indies’ opening batter Mikyle Louis, is set to earn his first Test cap. The 15-man squad also includes the likes of Kraigg Brathwaite, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Shamar Joseph, forming a formidable seam attack.
The West Indies team is scheduled to play a warm-up match against a County Select XI in Beckenham from July 3-6 before the first Test at Lord’s.
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