The West Indies cricket team has got itself into an even bigger mess, having lost its fast bowler Alzarri Joseph to a lower-back injury just days before the commencement of the two-Test series against India. Joseph, who has 124 wickets from 40 Tests under his belt, was the team’s mainstay. Cricket West Indies confirmed that scans revealed degeneration of a previously resolved lower-back injury.
In Joseph’s place, the team called up left-arm pacer Jediah Blades, who himself has played in ODIs and T20Is. Blades is taking part in the West Indies team that is currently playing a T20I series against Nepal in the UAE, and he will join the Test squad after the conclusion of the T20I series.
Senior all-rounder Jason Holder has refused to be considered for the tour, citing a planned medical procedure. With Holder out due to a medical procedure and Joseph injured, it has taken away a big chunk of experience from the West Indies line-up. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph was ruled out of the series with an undisclosed injury, and Johann Layne was named as his replacement in the squad.
Alzarri Joseph picked up a lower-back injury
The West Indies cricket team has been hit with a late blow just before their two-match Test series against India: Alzarri Joseph, a genuine fast bowler, has been ruled out due to a lower back injury. His absence, together with the absence of Shamar Joseph, who was out earlier due to an undisclosed injury, is now putting into question the whole bowling strategy to be employed by the team.
The fast bowlers were key in troubling the visitors in the recent home series against Australia alongside Jayden Seales. Without their presence, the West Indians may look to turn away from their pace-heavy approach against India.
The Test series will start on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Jediah Blades, a left-armer, has been brought in to cover for Alzarri Joseph.
With Roston Chase given the reins of the West Indies team, the carving-out strategy will be put to the test in this series.
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