PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Rookie West Indies pacer Kemar Roach is a big doubt for the first Test against South Africa starting tomorrow at the Queen’s Park Oval.

The 21-year-old is struggling with a troublesome ankle which caused him to miss the preceding One-Day International series which the West Indies lost 5-0 last week.

Head coach Ottis Gibson said Roach’s fitness would be evaluated prior to game day and a decision made about his involvement.

“It is sad to see Jerome Taylor out and Kemar Roach struggling but we are keeping the faith,” Gibson said.

“Roach has a bad ankle and he will be re-assessed prior to the Test, before the final team is selected.”

Taylor, who has been plagued with injury over the last year, was not considered for selection to the 14-man squad for the first Test after picking up a hip injury during the ODI series.

Gibson said there were a few other injury concerns which were being addressed as the squad prepared to face the Proteas.

“The boys are ready for the battle,” he said. “We have a bit of an injury problem but we are working on the players and we look forward to the opening Test”

Injury has also robbed the Windies of the services of classy right-hander Ramnaresh Sarwan who was ruled out of selection for the first Test with hamstring problems.