Source : CNW
ROSEAU, Dominica – In a move that signals a definitive shift toward youth and long-term planning, Cricket West Indies (CWI) Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe has confirmed that fast-bowling stalwart Kemar Roach is no longer part of the regional side’s plans for the future.
The 36-year-old Barbadian, a pillar of the West Indies’ pace attack for over a decade, was notably absent from the 16-man squad named for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia, which begins Wednesday at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.
Instead, selectors have placed their faith in a fresher quartet—Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and the uncapped 21-year-old Johann Layne.
A record of distinction
Roach’s career stats underscore his immense contribution to West Indies cricket. With 284 wickets in 85 Tests, he ranks fifth on the all-time West Indies wicket-takers list. He also captured 125 wickets in 95 One-Day Internationals, underlining his importance across formats during a period marked by instability and transition for West Indies cricket.
Yet, even with such a pedigree, Bascombe believes the time is right to move forward.
“Kemar has been excellent for West Indies, and we had the conversation with him; and we spoke to him and we let him know the direction that we wanted to go,” Bascombe said in a candid interview with QFM Dominica.
While the decision marks a turning point, Bascombe emphasised that Roach’s exclusion was not a reflection of diminished respect or gratitude, but rather a strategic choice tied to the next World Test Championship cycle (2027–2029).
“It was no slight on what he has done for West Indies cricket,” he explained.
“But again, we are planning [for the] World Test Championship 2027 on to 2029 and at some point, we have to be able to put down some markers that we are planning for the future.”
Both Bascombe and head coach Daren Sammy reportedly took part in the conversation with Roach, ensuring it was handled with the respect his long service demanded.
“It wasn’t the easiest of conversations to have… But like I said, I just wanted to ensure that we had that conversation out of respect for what he did,” Bascombe shared.
The coaching question lingers.
Reports from late last year indicated that Roach had been in discussions with CWI regarding a dual playing and mentorship role, potentially offering his vast experience to younger bowlers while gradually transitioning into coaching. However, Bascombe did not indicate whether such a hybrid path remains on the table.
For now, the message is clear: the West Indies are preparing for the future, and Roach’s chapter as an active Test cricketer—at least under current leadership—appears to be nearing its close.
A strategic reset at a pivotal time
With the new World Test Championship cycle just beginning, CWI is choosing to lay foundations now, even at the cost of veteran experience. The inclusion of rising talents like Layne signals a desire not just for renewal but for long-term competitiveness in an increasingly cutthroat global cricket landscape.
Whether this move proves visionary or premature will depend on how effectively the next generation delivers on the promise.