Back: Kemar Roach
(Picture: Getty Images)Defending champions Surrey have announced the return of West Indies seamer Kemar Roach for the 2023 County Championship season.
Roach will be available for the first six games of the campaign, which Surrey begin at Lancashire in early April, before being called away to international duty as West Indies welcome India to the Caribbean.
“I really enjoy playing for Surrey and winning the title last year was incredible to be a part of,” said Roach, who has 47 wickets across his two spells with the club so far. “It’s such a talented and exciting group of players and I can’t wait to get back out on the pitch representing the club.”
The 34-year-old, who claimed his 250th Test wicket last year, first joined Surrey in the summer of 2021 and returned in 2022, only to suffer a hamstring injury after playing just two matches at the start of the season.
However, after regaining fitness, Roach returned to the Kia Oval for the back end of the campaign and finished with 25 wickets at 26.24 in seven games as Gareth Batty’s side lifted the Division One title, going unbeaten until losing their final dead-rubber at Old Trafford after being crowned champions.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Kemar back to Surrey,” said Batty, whose position as interim head coach has been made permanent over the winter. “He brings great ability and work ethic, and his experience plays an important role in the dressing room.
“Kemar has already shown what he can do in his time at the Club so far and we’re excited to have him joining us again this year.”
