Alzarri Joseph will miss West Indies’ two-match Test series in India, starting in Ahmedabad on 1 October, after scans showed what Cricket West Indies described as “a degeneration of the previously resolved lower-back injury”. The 28-year-old quick felt discomfort during training late last week and, after further assessment, the medical staff advised a period of rest rather than a hurried return.
The selectors approached Jason Holder, already in the UAE for the T20Is against Nepal, as the most experienced replacement. Holder, though, turned the offer down, explaining he had “a planned medical procedure” immediately after the white-ball leg and did not want to compromise his recovery timetable.
That left the panel led by Desmond Haynes looking elsewhere. They have opted for 23-year-old left-armer Jediah Blades, who is also in the UAE and will link up with the Test squad once the third T20I is done on Tuesday night. Blades has three ODIs and four T20Is behind him, plus 35 wickets at just under 36 apiece from 13 first-class matches. Not spectacular numbers, but the coaches like his angle and willingness to bowl long spells.
“It’s a tough blow losing Alzarri so close to the series,” Haynes admitted. “But we’ve monitored Blades for a while and believe he offers something different, especially in Indian conditions.”
Joseph’s injury further thins an already green pace unit. Shamar Joseph (no relation) was ruled out last week, so uncapped seamer-all-rounder Johann Layne has come in. Of the quicks now available, only Jayden Seales has reached double figures in Tests. The spin group — captain Roston Chase, Jomel Warrican and Khary Pierre — may therefore shoulder much of the workload.
Former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop, speaking on television duty, noted: “Experience is light in that attack, but opportunity often throws up new names. India can be unforgiving, yet it’s the sort of tour where a young bowler can grow quickly if he gets his lines right.”
The first Test is part of the current World Test Championship cycle. West Indies sit mid-table; any points in India will be welcome. For Joseph, the focus shifts to rehab, with the medical team hopeful of having him available for the home series against Pakistan early next year.
Updated West Indies squad: Roston Chase (capt), Jomel Warrican (vice-capt), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Johann Layne, Jediah Blades, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.
