Shamar Joseph ruled out of Bangladesh ODIs with shoulder injury
What's the story
West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against Bangladesh due to shoulder discomfort. The 26-year-old was part of the ODI squad in Dhaka, but his injury has now forced him to withdraw from the three-match series. This comes after he also missed the recent Test tour of India due to an unspecified injury.
Recovery plan
Joseph to consult a specialist in England
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that Joseph will be consulting a specialist in England to start his rehabilitation process. The fast bowler hasn't played any cricket since the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) ended in September, where he appeared for Guyana Amazon Warriors in five of their 12 matches. His absence from international cricket has been prolonged due to these injuries.
Another setback
Jediah Blades also sidelined with stress fracture
Joining Joseph on the sidelines is left-arm seamer Jediah Blades. The 23-year-old has been ruled out of both the Bangladesh tour and the upcoming New Zealand tour due to a stress fracture in his lower back. He will return home for rehabilitation. This further depletes West Indies's bowling attack as they continue their international cricket commitments.
Squad changes
Hosein, Simmonds included in West Indies squad
In light of these injuries, all-rounder Akeal Hosein and left-arm seamer Ramon Simmonds have been added to West Indies's squad for the remaining two ODIs against Bangladesh. The duo was already scheduled to play in the three-match T20I series that will conclude West Indies's tour of Bangladesh. This is a strategic move by the team management to ensure they have enough manpower for their international commitments.
Information
WI are 1-0 down in the series
West Indies lost the first ODI to Bangladesh by a whopping margin of 74 runs on October 18. Their next two ODIs are on October 21 and 23. WI are in a must-win scenario to stay level in the series.