5 best Test bowling performances of 2019

2. Kemar Roach (4/52 vs England, Antigua)

Kemar Roach bowled his team to a memorable win over England at Antigua

Kemar Roach has been West Indies’ best Test bowler this decade, but hasn’t got the attention and admiration he deserves. And when his team sensed a historic series win against England, the pacer swung into action and produced a devastating spell to ensure that his team got over the line.

Roach had already made a mark by picking up four wickets in the first innings. With his team earning a 119-run lead, they had a great opportunity to win the match and the series.

West Indies are well-known for letting go of great chances. However, that wasn’t going to be the case this time.

At 88/4, England still had a chance of wiping off the first-innings deficit and earning a big lead. But Roach then delivered a spell where he cleaned up the danger man Ben Stokes as well as very capable lower-order batsmen Moeen Ali and Ben Foakes. He also got the wicket of Stuart Broad to deliver the killer blow and set up his team’s comprehensive 10-wicket win.

It was Roach’s ability to pitch the ball up and get it to swing that proved decisive. He showed that while the world looks at the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad for their ability to move the ball in the air, he isn’t too far behind.