West Indies Set to Face India in Two-Test Series, Joseph Ruled Out

ST JOHN’S: Alzarri Joseph, the right-arm fast bowler, will miss the forthcoming two-match Test series against India, as confirmed by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Monday.

CWI stated that the 28-year-old pacer reported experiencing discomfort, and subsequent medical evaluations revealed a “recurrence of a previously healed lower back injury.”

“Alzarri Joseph has been sidelined from the approaching Test series versus India due to a lower back injury,” CWI mentioned in their released statement.

“Following his complaints of unease, investigations showed a resurgence of his earlier lower back ailment,” the statement further noted.

Following Joseph’s unavailability, West Indies reached out to seasoned player Jason Holder, who is currently participating in the three-game T20I series against Nepal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, the all-rounder has excused himself because of a scheduled medical procedure.

Consequently, left-arm bowler Jediah Blades has been summoned to take Joseph’s place in the squad.

It is worth mentioning that Blades is also in the UAE for the Nepal series and will join the West Indies team after the third T20I on Tuesday.

“In the meantime, Jediah Blades, who has played in One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, has been included as a replacement for the two Tests following the ongoing matches against Nepal,” CWI announced.

“Jason Holder turned down the offer to be selected as Joseph’s replacement for the series, citing a medical procedure that had already been planned.”

West Indies are scheduled to tour India for a two-match Test series, marking their first visit since 2018. The initial game is slated to occur at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 2, with the final match taking place in Delhi from October 10 to 14.

Updated West Indies Squad for India Test Series:

Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Johann Layne, Jediah Blades, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre and Jayden Seales.