Kemar Roach out of England Tests due to knee injury

West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach has been ruled out of the Test series against England due to a knee injury, Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Thursday (June 27). Uncapped Leeward Islands fast bowler Jeremiah Louis has been named as his replacement. He has 151 wickets from 57 first-class matches so far.

"Kemar's skill and experience in English conditions will be missed," Desmond Haynes, West Indies' lead selector, said. 

"However, this opportunity has been long in the making for Jeremiah Louis. He certainly has the skill and experience to make an impact in England."

Roach is believed to have injured his knee during the County Championship while representing Surrey. He has picked up 18 wickets at 25.77 in six appearances for the team, including a best of 6/46 agianst Warwickshire in May. He picked up four more wickets against Worcestershire but missed his stint's final game against Hampshire.

Roach's injury comes as a massive blow for West Indies ahead of the three-match Test series. He was expected to spearhead the bowling attack in England, where he has 61 wickets in 16 Tests. With 272 wickets, he is also West Indies' fifth-highest wicket-taker in Tests.

West Indies and England will clash in a three-match Test series, starting July 10 at Lord's. The action will then shift to Trent Bridge, before reaching its conclusion at Edgbaston.

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