Kemar Roach happy to be back at Surrey CCC for a third spell

Kemar Roach is delighted to be back at Surrey for a third stint as the Oval outfit’s first-choice overseas representative.

The 34-year-old West Indian, who took 25 wickets in seven County Championship outings last summer, says the buzz around SE11 is what keeps him coming back for more.

“Winning the County Championship last year was the pinnacle and I’m looking forward to us retaining the championship,” said Roach. “The environment in the dressing room is just amazing. We have our fun, but when it’s cricket time, it’s serious time.

“Alec Stewart, Gareth Batty and all the support staff make you feel so comfortable. I’ve been happy from the first minute I got here. Rory Burns, Ollie Pope and Ben Foakes – they’ve all rallied around me. I feel lucky to be here.

“We’ve got a very talented group. A lot of quality players. On any given day there’s going to be a special performance from someone and that’s what you need in a team, pulling through the whole season over 14 games.”

Roach’s most telling contribution last season were his figures of 5-72 on the final day against Warwickshire at The Oval, which literally swung the game in the hosts’ favour.

“We needed to win that game – it was a pivotal game,” said Roach.

“Hampshire were threatening to pull away from us. But we knew that if we won that game, we could take it to the end of the season in the hope that Hampshire would slip up, which they did.”

Roach enjoys imparting his wisdom on some of Surrey’s up and coming stars – like fellow seamers Tom Lawes and Gus Atkinson.

“I love helping the youngsters,” said Roach. “The academy is great. The way the younger players are integrated into the senior squad and are given experience means that when it’s their turn to take over they do a fantastic job.

“I don’t want to cloud guys’ brains. Let them express themselves, because they’re young, and the more you play the better you’ll get.

“But if they want help, I’ve always got their corner – anything. I’m just a phone call away.”

Roach has also applauded Surrey’s efforts to open up the performance pathway to wider and diverse communities, under the auspices of the club’s ACE Programme.

“Don’t be surprised, in a few years’ time, if a guy from the ACE Programme goes on to play for England,” he said. “That’s how good it is.

“I want to get more involved in that while I’m here. I want to find the time to have a chat with everyone, to do a session or two and have some fun.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD