England vs West Indies 2017: 5 players to watch out for

#4 Kemar Roach

Kemar Roach showed great form in domestic cricket this season with 23 wickets at 16.17

Hailing from a land brimming full of ferocious fast bowlers, Roach rose and fell in international cricket before finding his feet again during the Professional Cricket League season of 2016-17. Having last featured during the rained-out Sydney Test in 2016, Roach was dropped for the home series against India six months later as he encountered inconsistency and a dip in form.

Once renowned for his rapid pace – he even hurt Ricky Ponting’s elbow with it at Perth in 2009 – Roach lost his venom when an ankle injury against South Africa during the Centurion Test in 2014 stalled his rise.

Now a touch slower, though West Indies’ coach Stuart Law still calls him “fast enough to cause problems”, a comeback into the Test side on the back of majestic form in domestic cricket allows Roach with the perfect opportunity to announce his value to the side.

With 23 wickets at 16.17 in first-class cricket this season, a flimsy England top order containing a debutant will make Roach lick his lips and sniff further glory on pitches tailor-made for swing and seam; and a haul of 5/43 against Essex in West Indies’ first practice match on the tour should act as a major strengthening factor so far as Roach’s dwindling confidence is concerned.