Kemar Roach becomes fifth West Indies bowler to take 300 Test wickets

Veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach became the fifth West Indian to claim 300 Test wickets, reaching the landmark as West Indies crushed Sri Lanka by an innings and 217 runs in the opening Test at North Sound, Antigua, on Sunday, June 28.

The landmark moment came when Roach bowled Sri Lanka’s Asitha Fernando with a full delivery angled in from wide of the crease, shattering the stumps and leaving the visitors at 84 for 9. The 37-year-old finished with four wickets for 51 in Sri Lanka’s second innings as the tourists were dismissed for just 101. He now stands alongside Courtney Walsh (519), Curtly Ambrose (405), Malcolm Marshall (376), and Lance Gibbs (309) as the only West Indians to reach the 300-wicket mark in Test cricket.

The Caribbean side had built a commanding position on day three when Amir Jangoo and skipper Roston Chase shared a world-record 401-run sixth-wicket partnership. Jangoo scored 233 while Chase made 194 before the hosts declared at 626 for 9. Sri Lanka’s first innings of 308, led by Dhananjaya De Silva’s 120, left them trailing by 318 runs. On the final day, Jayden Seales took three wickets for 14 and Shamar Joseph claimed two for 19 alongside Roach to complete the rout.

Where does Kemar Roach stand among West Indies’ all-time wicket-takers?

Roach’s 300 wickets have come across 161 innings at a bowling average of 26.83, making him the first West Indies bowler to reach the landmark since Curtly Ambrose.

Most wickets for the West Indies in Tests

Data last updated on June 29, 2026

The pace bowler reflected on reaching the milestone.

“It has been a long journey. Well done to the team and Roston Chase, first win as captain and first win for Daren Sammy as coach. I wouldn’t be here if not 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 proud in some way,” Roach said after the win.

What happens next for the West Indies?

The win gives the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series, with the second Test scheduled at the same North Sound venue from Friday, July 3 to Tuesday, July 7.