Kemar Roach signs for Durham, switches from Surrey in County Championship

Barbados and West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach has signed to play for Durham in the English County Championship four-day first-class competition later this year. 

The tournament is due to start in early April. The 37-year-old, who is closing in on 300 Test wickets, will join up with the Durham squad ahead of the season-opener against Kent at Riverside ground and will be available until mid-June. 

Therefore, Roach will be unavailable to represent Barbados Pride in the West Indies four-day championship which is set for April and May.

Roach brings proven pedigree as a pace bowler in English conditions as a three-time County Championship winner with Surrey. 

“I can’t wait to join Durham for the 2026 season. 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 was quoted on the club’s website.

Roach, who made his Test debut in 2009, has claimed 12 five-wicket hauls for West Indies. 

He has 294 wickets in 88 matches and is fifth highest in the West Indies all-time list of wicket-takers behind fellow legends Lance Gibbs (309), Malcolm Marshall (376), Curtly Ambrose (405) and Courtney Walsh (519).

“We’re delighted to welcome Kemar to Durham He is a world-class performer in Test cricket and his experience playing county cricket makes him a perfect fit for our group,” said Durham director of cricket Marcus North.

In a separate post, Surrey thanked Roach for his five years of service to the club. (PS)