West Indies will head into their upcoming Test series against India without one of their frontline fast bowlers. Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out after suffering a setback with a recurring lower back injury, leaving the Caribbean side with a major hole in their pace attack.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed in a statement that medical scans revealed fresh degeneration of a previously resolved back problem. Joseph, who had been expected to spearhead the attack on Indian soil, will now remain on the sidelines as he recovers.
In response, selectors have turned to 23-year-old Jediah Blades, a rising quick yet to make his Test debut. Blades is currently part of the T20I squad competing against Nepal in Sharjah and will join the red-ball team once that assignment is complete. The youngster made his international debut in ODIs late last year and has already featured in seven limited-overs matches, impressing with his raw pace and energy.
Interestingly, CWI first approached former captain Jason Holder to step in as cover. However, the experienced allrounder declined due to a scheduled medical procedure, prompting the call-up for Blades.
The Test series begins in Ahmedabad on October 2, with the second and final match set for Delhi on October 10. West Indies will be hoping their young pacers can rise to the challenge in Joseph’s absence as they take on one of the toughest assignments in world cricket.
