West Indies pace spearhead Alzarri Joseph will miss the upcoming two-match Test series against India after scans revealed a recurrence of his previous lower-back injury. The series is set to begin this week, with the first Test starting on October 1 in Ahmedabad.
“It’s disappointing to miss this series, but I need to focus on recovery and ensure I’m fully fit for upcoming matches,” Joseph said.
Jediah Blades Called Up as Replacement
With Joseph sidelined, West Indies have called up uncapped left-arm seamer Jediah Blades to join the Test squad after the third T20I against Nepal in the UAE. At 23, Blades has played three ODIs and four T20Is, while claiming 35 wickets in 13 first-class matches at an average of 35.91.
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏,” 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅.
Jason Holder, who was another potential replacement, opted out due to a planned medical procedure, leaving Blades as the squad addition.
West Indies Attack Faces Challenges
Joseph’s absence compounds an already depleted pace attack. Shamar Joseph was also ruled out last week and replaced by uncapped allrounder Johann Layne. Jayden Seales remains the only experienced fast bowler with more than ten Tests under his belt. The spin department will rely on Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, and captain Roston Chase to provide support.
Updated West Indies squad for India Test series:
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
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