(SPORTS MAX) West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach ended his five-game stint in the English County Championship on a high on Saturday taking nine wickets in Surrey’s drawn match with Middlesex.
Roach, 32, took 4 for 61 as Middlesex, chasing Surrey’s first innings score of 190, were bowled out for 160. Jordan Clarke took 4 for 41 for Surrey that helped Roach undermine the efforts of Middlesex wicketkeeper John Simpson, who top-scored with 68.
With a 30-run lead on first innings, Surrey scored 259 for 2 declared in their second innings thanks to Roy Burns’ unbeaten 104 and knocks of 74 from Mark Stoneman and 43 from Hashim Amla.
The sporting declaration was forced by weather conditions as the teams tried to force a result. Set a target of 290, Middlesex reached 250 for 6 as the match ended in a draw. Nick Gubbins made a game of it scoring 124 with Captain Peter Handscomb contributing 70.
Roach, meanwhile, picked up 5 for 86 as Middlesex chased quick runs. It was his second five-wicket haul of his stint to go along with a 10-wicket haul. His nine wickets against Middlesex increased his haul to 22 wickets at an average of 20.54 and an economy rate of 3.36.
Roach will now return to the Caribbean to prepare for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa next month having enjoyed his time in the United Kingdom. “What can I say, My Surrey experience was amazing, nothing short of brilliant, but duty calls,” he posted on Instagram.
“I want to thank everyone at Surrey that made me feel at home, from the administration to the coaching staff and, of course, the players for allowing me to be a part of your family.
“I hope I left a good impression and you can have me back again in the near future. Good luck for the rest of the season.”
