West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against India due to a lower back injury. This comes as a major blow to the team just days before the series opener.
Joseph began experiencing discomfort during training, and medical scans later confirmed a relapse of a previously resolved back injury. Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on social media that the scan results showed degeneration in his lower back, making him unfit for the India tour.
In response, the selectors have named Jediah Blades as Joseph’s replacement. The young pacer is currently playing in the T20I series against Nepal in Sharjah, and will join the Test squad in India once that series concludes. Blades, though uncapped at the Test level, made his ODI debut last year and has featured in seven white-ball matches so far.
CWI also confirmed that Jason Holder was approached to fill the gap left by Joseph, but the senior allrounder declined the offer, citing a planned medical procedure.
The first Test match between India and West Indies is scheduled to begin on October 2 in Ahmedabad, with the second and final Test starting on October 10 in Delhi.
