Barbadian fast bowler Kemar Roach will return for his fourth season at defending champions Surrey Cricket Club ahead of the 2024 County Championship season which begins in April.
Roach was part of the team that won back to back titles, playing a key role by taking 26 wickets at 26.26 in his eight first class matches last season. In the 2022 season, he took 25 wickets in seven matches at 26.24 a wicket.
Speaking about his return to the South London club, Roach said “Everyone knows that Surrey is a second home for me, and I love coming to London to play at one of the best grounds in the world. The Club’s ambitions in the red-ball game are a big draw and I want to play my role in winning another County Championship trophy. I cannot wait to start my fourth season with Surrey.”
Club Director of Surrey CCC, Alec Stewart was keen to have the experienced Barbadian back among his ranks. “Kemar has been an important figure in the team’s success in the last few years and we are delighted to have him back,” the former England wicketkeeper batsman said. “He has consistently shown his qualities on and off the field in the last three seasons, and I look forward to seeing him play an important role this season.”
The 35-year-old will be available for the first seven matches of the upcoming season which starts against Lancashire on April 5 to 8 at the Emirates Old Trafford. His first match at home in 2024 will be on April 12 to 15 when Somerset visit Surrey at The Kia Oval. He will also be in action against Kent on April 19 to 22 away from home before home matches against Hampshire (April 26- to 29), Warwickshire (May 10 to 13) and Worcestershire (May 17 to 20). His last match during this stint will be on the south coast against Hampshire at The Utilita Bowl on May 24.
Roach has collected 73 wickets at an average under 25 for the Three Feathers with his best figures being the devastating figures of 8-40 against Hampshire Cricket Club at The Kia Oval in 2021. Overall Roach has taken 523 first class wickets in his career to date from 162 matches at an average of 26.25.
The Barbadian was recently in action for the West Indies in January when they took on Australia in a two match test series which ended 1-1. Shamar Joseph’s heroic seven wicket haul took centre stage as West Indies beat Australia by eight runs for the first time in 27 years but Roach played a key part in that victory with his three wicket burst in the first innings. Key wickets of Steve Smith, Cameron Green and Travis Head paved the way for West Indies to claim a 22 run first innings lead.
If selected, Roach will next feature for the West Indies when their test series in England gets underway in the summer. The regional side take on England at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 10.
