IND vs WI 2025: Alzarri Joseph out, Jediah Blades called up for two-match Test series

Published - 29 Sept 2025, 18:40 IST | Updated - 29 Sept 2025, 19:00 IST

West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against India due to a lower back injury. The series, part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, will begin on October 2 with the first match of the series scheduled to be played at the gigantic Narendra Modi Stadium in the city of Ahmedabad.

Joseph complained of discomfort, and scans revealed degeneration of a previously resolved lower back issue. The left-arm pacer Jediah Blades has been drafted as cover for the two Tests. Blades, currently playing against Nepal for a three-match T20I series, which Nepal leads 1-0, has already represented West Indies in white-ball cricket and is now expected to make his red-ball debut against India.

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder declined to be considered as Joseph’s replacement due to a planned medical procedure. Earlier, the Caribbean side has faced another setback as fast bowler Shamar Joseph has also been ruled out with an undisclosed injury. In his place, 22-year-old all-rounder Johann Layne has been added to the squad.

Johann Layne replaces injured Shamar Joseph for India Tests

Shamar was expected to spearhead the pace attack in India, but his unavailability forced the visiting side to reconsider their bowling strategy. Cricket West Indies confirmed that he will undergo further assessment and is expected to be fit for the upcoming white-ball series against Bangladesh, starting October 18 with three ODIs followed by three T20Is.

Meanwhile, the West Indies squad arrived in India on Wednesday morning and will begin preparations with a training session in Ahmedabad on Saturday. The first Test begins on October 2 in Ahmedabad, with the second scheduled in New Delhi. These injury setbacks present a challenge for the visitors, but the inclusion of younger players offers an opportunity to test bench strength ahead of the WTC campaign.

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