Durham sign West Indies pace bowler Roach
Kemar Roach has played 88 Tests for West Indies taking 294 wickets
- Published
Durham have signed West Indies Test seamer Kemar Roach for the County Championship as they push for an immediate return to Division One following relegation last season.
The 37-year-old, who has 294 Test wickets, will join up with the Durham squad for the season-opener against Kent at Banks Homes Riverside and will be available until mid-June.
Roach brings proven pedigree as a pace bowler in English conditions as a three-time Championship winner with Surrey, for whom he has played in the last five seasons.
"I can't wait to join Durham for the 2026 season," Roach told the club's website, external.
"Having played in the County Championship for the past five years, I know how serious a side Durham are, so I plan to join and add great value.
"I hope to help Durham push for a trophy this summer and I think the group Durham have is very close to doing that.
"We know how much of a tough season it is with the county grind, but the rewards are there when you win and I hope to add that winning mentality to the Durham side."
Roach, 37, who made his Test debut in 2009, has claimed 12 five-wicket hauls in the format for the West Indies.
"We're delighted to welcome Kemar to Durham," said Durham director of cricket Marcus North.
"He is a world-class performer in Test cricket and his experience playing county cricket makes him a perfect fit for our group.
"Kemar brings proven quality with the ball but also a wealth of knowledge that will benefit our younger bowlers across his time at Durham."
Roach's new side will play six Championship matches before the first half of the T20 Blast begins on 22 May, while they will host two further red-ball fixtures against Derbyshire and Northamptonshire from 12 and 19 June before the Blast resumes.