Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed on Thursday that fast bowler Shamar Joseph will miss next month’s two-Test tour of India after picking up an undisclosed injury. Uncapped pace-bowling all-rounder Johann Layne, 22, has been summoned as cover.
“Shamar Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series in India and will be re-evaluated before the Bangladesh white-ball leg,” CWI wrote in a short social-media statement, offering no further detail on the injury.
Joseph’s absence leaves a sizeable gap. Eleven Tests into his international career, the 24-year-old sits on 51 wickets at 21.66, highlighted by a debut five-for against Australia in January 2024. Head coach Daren Sammy sympathised with the quick: “We have a packed calendar and need every fast bowler fit, but we won’t rush Shamar back. His long-term health is the priority.”
Layne earns his maiden call-up on the back of a strong first-class season for West Indies Academy, where he collected 27 wickets in six matches at 15.88, capped by a six-for against Windward Islands. The Barbados-born seamer’s overall red-ball record reads 66 wickets at 22.28 in 19 matches, alongside handy lower-order runs (495 at 19.03).
Lead selector Desmond Haynes explained the decision: “Johann has clocked good speeds, swings the new ball and offers depth with the bat. He deserves this chance.” Layne will slot into a pace battery featuring Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip, with Justin Greaves providing a seam-bowling all-round option. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, slow-left-armer Khary Pierre and skipper Roston Chase cover the spin duties.
The India series runs from 2–14 October. West Indies then hop across to Bangladesh for three ODIs (18–23 October) and three T20Is (27 October–1 November) before an all-format tour of New Zealand in December. Sammy admitted the itinerary is unforgiving: “It’s non-stop cricket. Managing workloads is as important as tactics right now.”
Joseph will remain in Antigua for rehab, with medical staff hopeful of having him ready for Bangladesh. “He’s tracking well, but we’ll only green-light him once he passes all the bowling tests,” a CWI physio noted.
For Layne, selection is “a dream realised.” Speaking to local radio, the youngster said, “I just want to bowl in the right areas, back my strengths and learn from the senior lads.”
Balanced squad, hectic schedule, and a promising debutant—yet the spotlight lingers on Joseph’s recovery. West Indies need their spearhead firing, but for now they’ll rely on fresh legs and Layne’s raw promise to navigate India’s batting order.
