West Indies vs Pakistan Test: A controversy arose after West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph refused to play in the Test series against Pakistan.
WI vs PAK: Alzarri Joseph Declines Selection for Pakistan Test Series
A two-match Test series between Pakistan and the West Indies is set to begin on July 25 (Saturday). However, ahead of the series, West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph declined to play. Team head coach Daren Sammy described this as a major setback for the team. The first match will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.
Speaking about Alzarri Joseph ahead of the series, Sammy said, 'Mr. Joseph declined selection. That is the reality. He was selected. He is returning after recovering from an injury, and for reasons following that, he has refused selection.'
Decision left to the directors
The coach added, 'This decision is beyond my understanding. I leave it to the directors to find a solution regarding how contracted players can refuse selection.'
When the team was announced, a statement issued by the West Indies board said that Alzarri Joseph was unavailable due to personal reasons. However, the coach has now revealed something else entirely.
Alzarri Joseph Troubled by Back Injury
A back injury had previously prevented Alzarri from touring India and New Zealand. However, he made a comeback during the Test series against Sri Lanka, claiming six wickets. Subsequently, he participated in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand but has now been ruled out of the series against Pakistan.
Alzarri Joseph's Career
A look at Alzarri Joseph's international career reveals that he has played 42 Tests, 88 ODIs, and 45 T20 Internationals to date. He has taken 130 wickets across 79 Test innings. Additionally, he has claimed 141 wickets in 85 ODI innings. In T20 Internationals, the West Indies fast bowler has taken 62 wickets in 44 innings, maintaining an economy rate of 9.24, with best figures of 5/40.
