Surrey’s Ben Foakes & Kemar Roach were on opposite sides during the first Test between England and West Indies, which finished in Antigua on Saturday.
Foakes made 42 from 87 in the first innings to stabilise England alongside Jonny Bairstow. The pair had come together at 115/5, largely thanks to the destructive swing bowling of Roach – who claimed the wickets of Alex Lees and captain Joe Root. Roach has signed for Surrey for the first five matches of the 2022 LV= Insurance County Championship season.
A beauty from Kemar Roach as he castles Joe Root.
Can we reset a reset?#WIvENG pic.twitter.com/ZN9U3Q24eW
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) March 8, 2022
However, a 99-run partnership between Foakes & Bairstow helped the tourists to a score that was eventually enough to force a competitive draw.
West Indies held a 64-run lead at the halfway mark with Foakes completing three catches and combining with sub Ollie Pope to run out Roach, who had held firm for his 15 runs from 89 balls, in the hosts’ first innings. Our wicket keeper also gained plenty of attention for his incredible handiwork while stood up to the stumps to the seamers.
Just Ben Foakes things 🤷♂️
The best make it look easy…#WIvENG pic.twitter.com/z5FoAMPklb
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) March 10, 2022
Ben Foakes is so good to watch 😍#WIvENG pic.twitter.com/3ljevr5ULg
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) March 10, 2022
England soon swallowed up that lead and centuries from Zak Crawley and Root put them in the driving seat, although Roach’s fine record against left-handers continued when he removed Lees and Ben Stokes.
Foakes scored just one run as England looked to up their scoring rate in order to attempt to force a victory.
Despite a wobble, West Indies then batted out the remaining 70 overs in the match before the players shook hands on the draw.
The second Test begins in Barbados on Wednesday 16th March and UK viewers can watch the match in full on BT Sport.
