Kemar Roach is a class player

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In a match that swung between concern and survival, Kemar Roach produced a performance that reminded the region what resilience looks like in maroon.

Shai Hope’s composed century steadied an innings that threatened to crumble. Justin Greaves’ double-hundred, built across more than 200 overs, was a masterclass in patience and temperament. Their contributions were immense and essential. But the emotional core of the draw came from Roach, a veteran fast bowler returning to the arena after many had quietly moved him out of their long-term plans.

Roach had been drifting to the edges of selection conversations. Younger fast bowlers were emerging, new structures were being tested, and his absence from several squads led many to assume his influence had peaked. Time is rarely kind to ageing quick, and the narrative around him was beginning to settle into finality.

He rejected that narrative in Christchurch. Brought back into the side, Roach delivered a five for 78 that was a statement. He bowled with precision and understanding, using subtle seam movement, fuller lengths and his familiar out-swinger to dismantle New Zealand’s resistance. Every wicket carried the weight of experience. It felt like the return of a craftsman who never lost his tools.

UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCE

Then came the innings that transformed the match and elevated his performance from commendable to unforgettable. Roach’s maiden Test half-century was not simply lower-order defiance. It was the work of a player who understood the significance of his role and rose to meet it with composure. He judged well outside off stump. He defended with authority. He played straight and kept the scoreboard steady while the clock ticked in West Indies’ favour.

The partnership with Greaves slowly pulled the match out of New Zealand’s grasp. By the final session, the Black Caps were chasing a breakthrough that never came.

This draw felt like a small victory because it signalled that the West Indies are capable of blending experience and emerging talent. It showed that players who have served the region with distinction still have the capacity to shape outcomes. It offered a glimpse of fight and unity, two qualities long demanded by supporters.

Most of all, it reaffirmed that Kemar Roach remains vital, not as a sentimental figure, but as a match winner. His rhythm is still present, his control remains sharp, and his competitive edge has not faded.

If this is the version of Roach stepping back into the Test fold, then the West Indies have more than a veteran. They have a leader who proved once again that resilience is a skill too.

JOHNOY DAVIS