West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph will miss the upcoming Test series against India. He has been sidelined due to a recurring lower back injury. The West Indies squad is currently in Ahmedabad for a brief training camp, preparing for the first Test which begins on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The second Test is scheduled to start on October 10 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Joseph has an impressive Test record, having taken 124 wickets in 40 matches at an average of 33.46, in addition to scoring 770 runs.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed on Monday that scans revealed a worsening of Joseph`s previously healed lower back injury after he reported discomfort.
CWI also announced that fast-bowling all-rounder Jason Holder was unavailable to replace Joseph, as he is undergoing a planned medical procedure. Consequently, Jediah Blades has been called up as a cover for the two-match series.
Blades, who has three ODIs and four T20Is under his belt for the West Indies, is expected to join the squad after their current T20I series against Nepal concludes. This marks the second significant setback for the West Indies ahead of the India Tests.
Earlier, fast bowler Shamar Joseph was also ruled out due to an undisclosed injury and was replaced by uncapped pace-bowling all-rounder Johann Layne. The remaining bowling resources for West Indies in India include pacers Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip, along with all-rounder Justin Greaves.
Spin bowling responsibilities will fall to Captain Roston Chase, vice-captain Jomel Warrican, and Khary Pierre. The West Indies are currently seeking their first points in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
Updated West Indies Test squad for series vs India:
- Roston Chase (captain)
- Jomel Warrican (vice-captain)
- 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
