West Indies cricket has suffered a setback as fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against India due to an undisclosed injury. Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the unfortunate news via a social media post, leaving fans disappointed.
In his place, Johann Layne, a 22-year-old all-rounder from Barbados, has been named as Joseph's replacement. Layne brings a wealth of experience from first-class cricket, having played 19 matches. While he has scored 495 runs with two fifties, his bowling is where he truly shines, boasting 66 wickets at an impressive average of 22.28, including four five-wicket hauls.
Joseph's injury is a blow to the West Indies squad, as he was expected to play a key role in the series. He will now undergo re-evaluation before the Bangladesh white-ball series, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is starting on October 18th. CWI will be hoping for a swift recovery for the talented fast bowler.
The first Test between India and West Indies is scheduled to begin in Ahmedabad on October 2nd. The updated West Indies squad is as follows:
- Roston Chase (c)
- Jomel Warrican (vc)
- Kevlon Anderson
- Alick Athanaze
- John Campbell
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul
- Justin Greaves
- Shai Hope
- Tevin Imlach
- Alzarri Joseph
- Johann Layne
- Brandon King
- Anderson Phillip
- Khary Pierre
- Jayden Seales
Nitish Reddy and Devdutt Padikkal were considered for the West Indies Tests, while Nair potentially made way for Padikkal for the West Indies Test series. West Indies will hold a six-day camp in Ahmedabad ahead of the Test series. They also recalled Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze for the India Test tour.