WI vs SL 1st Test: Kemar Roach joins West Indies legends as hosts record record over Sri Lanka

Kemar Roach (Image credit: WI Cricket) Kemar Roach etched his name alongside some of West Indies’ greatest fast bowlers as the veteran seamer claimed his 300th Test wicket during a dominant innings and 217-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test, a result that also went down as one of the biggest victories in the Caribbean side’s history.The emphatic triumph gave West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marked their sixth biggest win by runs in Test cricket. Roach finished with figures of 4 for 51 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 101 in just 31 overs in their second innings on day four.The 37-year-old became only the fifth West Indian player to reach the coveted milestone of 300 Test wickets, joining the legendary names of Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall and Lance Gibbs in an exclusive club.“It’s been a long journey,” said an emotional Roach after the milestone. “Well done to the team and Roston Chase for his first win as captain and Daren Sammy’s first win as coach.

‘I’m glad I made you proud’

Roach reserved a special thank you for his teammates and family after achieving one of cricket’s most treasured milestones.“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for these guys. Thanks to my family and I know my mom is watching. She’s proud. Thanks to everyone, I really appreciate it and I’m glad I made you guys proud in some way.”His breakthrough wicket came when he bowled Asitha Fernando to leave Sri Lanka 84 for 9, effectively cementing both the match and his place among the greatest West Indies stars of all time.Roach led the charge with a relentless pace that exposed Sri Lanka’s batting on an overcast morning. Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph combined brilliantly with the veteran as the visitors folded in dramatic fashion.Sri Lanka resumed the day at 15 for 1, but it unraveled quickly. Roach trapped Nishan Madushka lbw before Seales dismissed night watchman Kasun Rajith. Shamar Joseph then removed Kaminda Mendis and centurion Dhananjay de Silva from the first innings while Alzarri Joseph added to the misery by cleaning up Kusal Mendis.Only Dinesh Chandimal, on 43, put up meaningful resistance as the visitors crumbled under relentless pace and movement.

The world record stands laid the platform

While Roach finished the job with the ball, the match was effectively decided a day earlier when Amir Jangoo and captain Roston Chase rewrote the record books.The pair put on a world-record 401-run partnership for the sixth wicket, lifting West Indies to 626 for 9 declared after securing a commanding first-innings lead of 318 runs against Sri Lanka’s 308.A mammoth stall transformed the contest before the pace quartet completed the demolition on the final morning.The comprehensive win also lifted the West Indies off the bottom of the World Test Championship standings after losing seven of their previous eight matches in the competition.West Indies will head into the second and final Test at the same venue on Friday full of confidence as they look to complete an unforgettable series.