After Shamarh Joseph, Alzarri Joseph has also been ruled out of the Test series against India, creating uncertainty about his availability for the upcoming Bangladesh tour.
Just before the start of the India Test series, West Indies faced another setback. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been sidelined from the two-match Test series due to a lower back injury.
Cricket West Indies stated on Monday that Alzarri reported discomfort in his lower back, and a subsequent scan revealed a deterioration in a previously healed lower back area.
The board has not specified how long he will be out, but there are significant doubts about his participation in next month’s Bangladesh tour.
Another fast bowler, Shamarh Joseph, had already withdrawn from the India tour last Saturday due to injury, and his availability for Bangladesh also remains uncertain.
Cricket West Indies noted that selectors had considered bringing in experienced pace-bowling all-rounder Jason Holder as Alzarri’s replacement. However, Holder, currently with the West Indies T20 squad in the UAE for the Nepal series, opted not to join the Test squad due to a planned medical procedure.
As a result, the Caribbean team has included left-arm pacer Jediah Blades, who is also in the UAE. The 23-year-old will join the Test squad after the third T20I on Tuesday.
Blades has so far played three ODIs and four T20Is for the national team but has yet to make his Test debut. In 13 first-class matches, he has taken 35 wickets.
With Alzarri and Shamarh ruled out, West Indies’ pace attack has weakened considerably. Shamarh’s replacement is 22-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder Johan Lane, who is awaiting his Test debut. Among the current pace bowlers in the squad, only Jaden Seales has played more than ten Tests.
West Indies’ first Test in India will begin Thursday in Ahmedabad, followed by the second starting October 10 in Delhi. The series is part of the ICC Test Championship.
Following the Test series, the West Indies are scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Bangladesh starting October 15.
