West Indies have suffered a major setback ahead of their two-match Test series against India, with star pacer Alzarri Joseph ruled out due to a recurrence of a lower back injury. The Caribbean side has already arrived in Ahmedabad for a short preparatory camp ahead of the first Test, starting October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, followed by the second match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi from October 10.
Injury Setback for Key Bowler
Joseph, a vital part of the West Indies Test bowling unit, has taken 124 wickets in 40 Tests at an average of 33.46, along with contributing 770 runs with the bat. However, his participation was ruled out after medical scans confirmed degeneration of a previously treated back injury, forcing him to withdraw from the tour.
“After complaints of discomfort, scans revealed a degeneration of the previously resolved lower back injury,” Cricket West Indies (CWI) stated on Monday.
Replacement Plans and Squad Changes
CWI also revealed that fast-bowling all-rounder Jason Holder declined selection as Joseph’s replacement due to a planned medical procedure. In his absence, Jediah Blades has been drafted into the squad as cover for the two-Test series.
Blades, who has featured in three ODIs and four T20Is, is expected to join the team after the ongoing limited-overs series against Nepal. This injury marks the second major blow to the West Indies pace attack before the India tour.
Earlier, Shamar Joseph was also ruled out with an undisclosed injury and was replaced by uncapped all-rounder Johann Layne. The remaining bowling options for the series include Jayden Seales, Anderson Phillip, and Justin Greaves, while Roston Chase, Jomel Warrican, and Khary Pierre will shoulder the spin responsibilities.
Updated West Indies Test Squad vs India
- Roston Chase (captain)
- Jomel Warrican (vice-captain)
- Kevlon Anderson
- Alick Athanaze
- John Campbell
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul
- Justin Greaves
- Shai Hope
- Tevin Imlach
- Johann Layne
- Jediah Blades
- Brandon King
- Anderson Phillip
- Khary Pierre
- Jayden Seales
West Indies are yet to open their account in the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, and losing two key fast bowlers before a challenging series in India only adds to their uphill task.
Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on Today Cricket Matches!