Shamar Joseph has emerged as a vital weapon for the West Indies bowling attack in recent years.
However, the Caribbean side has suffered a major setback as their premier pacer has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against India. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Ahmedabad on October 2, followed by the second in Delhi from October 10.
India, who have dominated this rivalry for decades, head into the series as overwhelming favourites. Remarkably, they have not lost a Test match at home to the West Indies since the 1994/95 season and will be determined to extend that unbeaten streak.
The West Indies’ last Test series win against India dates back to 2002, when they triumphed 2-1 in a five-match contest on home soil. Since then, India have strung together nine consecutive series victories over the Windies without dropping a single game.
Shamar Joseph ruled out of India Tests; Johann Layne named replacement
Cricket West Indies confirmed via social media that pacer Shamar Joseph has been sidelined from the India Test series due to injury. While the exact nature of the issue wasn’t disclosed, Shamar Joseph will be reassessed ahead of the upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh.
Shamar Joseph , who burst onto the scene with a five-wicket haul on debut against Australia in January 2024, has since played 11 Tests, claiming 51 wickets at an impressive average of 21.66.
Following the two-match Test series in India, which ends on October 14, West Indies will travel to Bangladesh for three ODIs (from October 18) and three T20Is (October 27 – November 1). The packed calendar also features an all-format tour of New Zealand later this year, including five T20Is, three ODIs, and three Tests. Before all that, they are in the UAE for a three-match T20I series against Nepal starting September 27.
Johann Layne, Shamar Joseph replacement, brings solid first-class credentials. In 19 FC matches, he has taken 66 wickets at 22.28 and scored 495 runs at 19.03, with four five-wicket hauls and three four-fors to his name. Layne particularly impressed in the recent domestic season for the West Indies Academy, where he took 27 wickets in six games at 15.88, including two five-fors.
Updated West Indies squad for India Tests]
- Roston Chase (c)
- Jomel Warrican (vc)
- Kevlon Anderson
- Alick Athanaze
- John Campbell
- Tagenarine Chanderpaul
- Justin Greaves
- Shai Hope
- Tevin Imlach
- Alzarri Joseph
- Johann Layne
- Brandon King
- Anderson Phillip
- Khary Pierre
- Jayden Seales