West Indies Roach to return home due to injury

MUMBAI, India — Fast bowler Kemar Roach has been ruled out of the remainder of the West Indies’ tour of India due to a shoulder injury.

West Indies team physiotherapist C.J. Clark said it was an injury which is uncommon among cricketers.

“Kemar has not made the expected recovery from the shoulder injury that kept him out of the first Test and he is returning to the Caribbean for ongoing management and subsequent physical rehabilitation,” said Clark.

Shannon Gabriel has been selected to replace his fellow fast bowler and is expected to arrive in India in time for consideration for selection in the second Test which opens on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium here.

The 25-year-old Roach has been the bright spark in the West Indies attack over the last three years in particular.

He has taken 85 wickets at 27.71 runs apiece in 23 Tests and has risen in the ICC Test bowling rankings to become the only West Indian in the Top-20 at 14th.

“We’re sad to announce that Kemar has to return home to the Caribbean and will not have an opportunity on this tour, where we felt he could have made a major difference,” said West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson.

West Indies trail 0-1 against in the series, following an innings and 51-run defeat inside three days in the first Test that ended on Friday at Eden Gardens here.

The second Test is also expected to be a grand affair in this city that is called home by India’s batting megastar Sachin Tendulkar, who will be playing his 200th and final Test for his homeland.

The match will also mark the 150th Test for durable West Indies left-handed batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

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