St John’s, Sep 29 (PTI) The West Indies cricket team has suffered a significant setback with the absence of fast bowler Alzarri Joseph from the upcoming Test series against India. Joseph has been sidelined due to a lower back injury, adding to the team’s injury woes. West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph was on Monday ruled out of the Test series against India due to lower back injury, dealing another body blow to the side.
In his place, left-arm pacer Jediah Blades from Barbados has been included in the squad for the two-match series starting in Ahmedabad on October 2. Left-arm pacer Jediah Blades of Barbados has been drafted in as Joseph’s replacement for the two-match series, beginning at Ahmedabad on October 2.
Cricket West Indies confirmed the development, stating that Alzarri Joseph's discomfort led to a scan that revealed a degeneration of a previously resolved lower back injury. “Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against India due to a lower back injury. After complaints of discomfort, scans revealed a degeneration of the previously resolved lower back injury,” said the Cricket West Indies in a statement.
Jediah Blades, who has previous experience in One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, has been brought in to cover the Test matches after the ongoing series against Nepal. “Jediah Blades, who has been capped in One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals has been drafted in as cover for the Two Tests following the ongoing series against Nepal,” the statement added.
The team faced a further setback when veteran all-rounder Jason Holder declined the opportunity to join the squad in India to prioritize a planned medical procedure. “Jason Holder declined selection as Joseph’s replacement for the series citing a planned medical procedure,” said the CWI.
In addition to Joseph, pacer Shamar Joseph has also been sidelined from the series against India owing to an unspecified injury, with uncapped all-rounder Johann Layne taking his spot in the squad. Uncapped all-rounder Johann Layne replaced him in the squad.
Revised West Indies squad: Roston Chase (C), Jomel Warrican, Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Jediah Blades, Johann Layne, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre and Jayden Seales.
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