Alzarri Joseph is sidelined from the India Test series due to a lower back injury

Alzarri Joseph is sidelined from the India Test series due to a lower back injury

Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of the West Indies' two-Test series against India, starting this week, because of a lower-back injury. He felt discomfort, and scans showed that the old injury had flared up again.

As per sources, Jason Holder was asked to replace him, but he said no since he has a medical procedure planned. Instead, the team has called up 23-year-old left-arm fast bowler Jediah Blades. He is currently with the T20I squad in the UAE and will join the Test team after the third T20I against Nepal on Tuesday.

Blades has not played Test cricket yet but has featured in three ODIs and four T20Is. In 13 first-class matches, he has taken 35 wickets at an average of 35.91.

Joseph’s absence is a big blow for the West Indies pace attack, which is already short on experience. Just last week, Shamar Joseph was ruled out and replaced by another uncapped player, all-rounder Johann Layne. At the moment, Jayden Seales is the only pacer in the squad who has played more than ten Tests. In the spin department, they have Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, and captain Roston Chase.

The first Test against India begins on October 2 in Ahmedabad.

Updated West Indies squad for India Test series

Roston Chase (c), Alick Athanaze, Kevlon Anderson, Jomel Warrican (VC), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Tevin Imlach, Shai Hope, Johann Layne, Brandon King, Jediah Blades, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales