Alzarri Joseph ruled out of India Tests with back injury
What's the story
West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of the impending two-match Test series against India with a lower back injury. The right-arm fast bowler had been in excellent form, taking 13 wickets in three matches against Australia earlier this year. His absence from the squad comes as a major setback for the West Indies team, which is already reeling from Shamar Joseph's absence.
Additional setback
Seales only experienced pacer; Jediah Blades included
Alzarri's absence is a major blow to the Windies side. Earlier, pacer Shamar Joseph was also ruled out of the India series with an unspecified injury. This means Jayden Seales will be the only experienced pacer in the squad. Cricket West Indies (CWI) has named Jediah Blades as a replacement for Alzarri Joseph. The left-arm pacer has played only 13 First-Class games.
Holder's decision
Holder also unavailable for India Tests
CWI, in an official statement, also revealed that all-rounder Jason Holder has "declined selection for the India Test series." Holder, who is currently featuring against Nepal, is set to undergo a "medical procedure" and will be away from the red-ball duties. "Jason Holder declined selection as Joseph's replacement for the series, citing a planned medical procedure," CWI said in its statement.
Information
WI's updated squad for India series
WI squad: Roston Chase (captain), Jomel Warrican (vice-captain), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope (wk), Tevin Imlach, Jediah Blades, Johann Layne, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, and Jayden Seales.