West Indies seamer feared his international career was over

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Kemar Roach five wickets West Indies England Lord's cricket

Kemar Roach took a five-wicket haul at Lord’s on Friday

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

West Indies pace bowler Kemar Roach admitted that he was concerned his international career was all but over when he injured his shoulder almost four years ago.

Roach had to undergo surgery after breaking a bone in his right shoulder during the West Indies’ tour of India in November 2013.

However, while Roach endured a gruelling road to recovery, he made his comeback and continued to be a regular face in the West Indies’ Test squad.

That all changed in January 2016 when Roach was dropped and for over a year, he did not appear on the selectors’ radar.

But, with the men from the Caribbean struggling and in need of an experience boost in the bowling department, Roach was recalled for the three-Test series against England.

On Friday, Roach became just the eighth West Indian bowler to earn a spot on the Lord’s honours board as he took a superb five-wicket haul.

“I had some doubts [whether I would return],” Roach said. “It was a pretty tough time. Breaking your shoulder is not easy but a lot of hard rehab and hours of training got me back here. I’m proud of myself to be able to come back and perform for the West Indies.

“It means a lot to earn a place on that honours board. There are a lot of players went before me, the likes of Courtney Walsh and Malcolm Marshall. And a lot of players who have come here and never got it done. So to be part of that board is history.”

Roach admitted that former West Indies seamer Corey Collymore assisted him in achieving the feat as he shared his experiences of playing county cricket in England.

“I’ve been talking to past players,” Roach said. “The likes of Corey Collymore; guys who have played in England for a couple of years. So coming here I was prepared and knew how to bowl on certain pitches. Kudos to those guys for helping me out. I’ve learnt my art a little bit more. I’m more experienced.”

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