Durham Sign Kemar Roach for First Half of County Championship Season

Durham County Cricket Club have secured the services of veteran West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach for the first half of the 2026 County Championship season, ending his successful five-year stint with Surrey County Cricket Club.

Roach, 37, will be available until mid-June and is set to play a key role in Durham’s push for promotion from Division Two. He joins South Africa batter David Bedingham as one of the club’s two overseas players for the opening phase of the campaign.

The experienced seamer enjoyed a glittering spell at Surrey, helping the club to three consecutive County Championship titles between 2022 and 2024. Across 30 first-class matches, he claimed 97 wickets at an average of 26.74. However, his involvement diminished last season, with just four wickets in two appearances before Surrey opted to move in a different direction.

In a statement, Surrey thanked Roach for his “incredible efforts in the Three Feathers” and wished him well for the future.

Durham’s director of cricket, Marcus North, hailed Roach as a “world-class performer” and the ideal figure to lead the club’s seam attack.

“Kemar brings proven quality with the ball but also a wealth of knowledge that will benefit our younger bowlers across his time at Durham,” North said. “His ability to lead attacks in English conditions is something we value highly as we look to compete strongly in the County Championship.”

Roach’s most recent international outing came during West Indies’ Test tour of New Zealand late last year. He took seven wickets in the first Test and scored a defiant unbeaten 58 to help secure a draw, followed by two wickets in the second Test before a hamstring injury curtailed his involvement in the third match.

Expressing his excitement about the new chapter, Roach said he was eager to contribute to Durham’s promotion bid.

“I can’t wait to join Durham for the 2026 season,” he said. “Having played in the County Championship for the past five years, I know how serious a side Durham are. I hope to help Durham push for a trophy this summer.

“The County Championship for me is as close as playing Test cricket, which is why I love it so much. We know how tough the county grind is, but the rewards are there when you win. I hope to add that winning mentality to the Durham side.”

With Roach’s experience and pedigree, Durham will be banking on his leadership and strike power to spearhead their charge in the early stages of the season.