Legendary England pacer James Anderson announced his retirement from international cricket on May 12. Anderson will make his final Test appearance against West Indies at the Lord's starting July 10. Ahead of the clash, West Indies' veteran pacer Kemar Roach has hailed his decision.
"He's a great fast bowler, probably one of the greatest," said Roach as quoted by the ICC. The 35-year-old is currently playing in the County Championship for Surrey.
"It's sad to see him go, but we all know you can't play forever. He's done fantastically for England and he deserves whatever he gets.
"First Test match against us… hopefully, we ruin it," Roach said jokingly. "He's highly respected. He's always given me great advice as well. He will go down as one of the greatest to ever do it. I wish him all the best after that Test match, and hopefully, he enjoys whatever comes next."
Roach backs West Indies to end losing streak
England registered their last Test win on English soil in 1988. Roach is confident that the current team is capable of ending the jinx, especially with the likes of Shamar Joseph, Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales in the pace attack.
"It's a very highly talented and skilful group," Roach said. "We've not had the best of times over here in England, so it's more about focusing on us – not what they're going to do for him (Anderson).
"He's going to get what he deserves. But it's all about us working hard to get what we deserve, which is a series win over here in England."
"With Shamar and Jayden Seales now – Alzarri as well – they have added a lot of X factor to the bowling unit. On any given day, they can have a great spell and be devastating. That is what you want. You just want it as consistently as possible, to have those great days.
"To have three guys like that in the team, (for) a captain to have that to select, for any given day or any given surface (is great). As a group, we are pretty confident. England is always our biggest series… We want to put up a good fight, put on a good show. We haven't won a Test series in England for quite a while so it is good to come with some confidence, and hopefully, we can do it this time."
England at bottom of WTC table
With one win from four Tests, West Indies are currently sixth on the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 table. On the other hand, the hosts are languishing at the bottom with six losses from 10 games.
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