Cricket: Black Caps captain Kane Williamson’s poignant moment after West Indies Kemar Roach lost his father before the first test

Cricketers from New Zealand and the West Indies wore black armbands on the opening day of the first test match in Hamilton today in honor of Kemar Roach’s father, Andrew Smith, who recently passed away.

Roach and the West Indies team are in the country for a two-trial series, having completed three Twenty20s and several warm-up matches, and the pace bowler was preparing for the opening match at Seddon Park when he received the news.

Cricket West Indies issued a statement Thursday, extending its deepest condolences to Roach and his family.

“On behalf of the CWI and the West Indies cricket team, I offer my condolences to Kemar and his family at home,” said team manager Rawl Lewis in a statement.

“Losing a loved one is never easy and we want to offer our full support to Kemar during this very difficult time.

“We got the news as we were preparing for the test match here, and the players and the team’s support staff came together and offered tremendous support.”

An image of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson hugging Roach before the first test circulated on social media.

Williamson is recognized as one of the sport’s most benevolent figures, having won the ICC Spirit of Cricket award in the past and was named Player of the Tournament at last year’s Cricket World Cup in England.

Roach has represented the West Indies in 59 test matches since he made his debut in 2009, claiming 201 wickets with a commendable average of 27.51.

He fell to his knees in a moment of reflection for his late father when he pitched Tom Latham for 86.