West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph ruled out of Test series against India, replacement announced

Table of Contents

West Indies have suffered a major blow ahead of their two-match Test series against India, with frontline fast bowler Shamar Joseph ruled out due to injury. Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the news through an official statement on social media, noting that the nature of the injury has not been disclosed. Joseph will undergo further medical assessment before the team’s upcoming white-ball tour of Bangladesh later in October.

Since making a dream debut against Australia in January 2024 with a memorable five-wicket haul, Joseph has quickly established himself as the leader of the West Indies bowling unit. In just 11 Tests, the 25-year-old has already taken 51 wickets at an impressive average of 21.66. His ability to generate pace and movement has made him one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in international cricket.

The setback comes at a time when West Indies were looking to build momentum against India in their own backyard. The two-Test series, scheduled to conclude on October 14, is seen as a crucial part of their long-term red-ball development. With Joseph unavailable, the visitors lose both firepower and experience in their pace battery.

To fill the void, West Indies have called up uncapped pace-bowling allrounder Johann Layne. The 27-year-old has been consistent at the domestic level, featuring in 19 first-class matches and collecting 66 wickets at an average of 22.28. With the bat, Layne has contributed 495 runs, including several handy lower-order knocks. His red-ball record includes four five-wicket hauls and three four-wicket returns, underlining his wicket-taking potential.

Layne was also part of the West Indies A squad earlier this year, where he turned out against South Africa A. Although his returns in that series were modest—scoring 62 runs across four innings and picking up three wickets—selectors see him as a player with the right attributes to make the step up.

Also READ: 7 players dropped from India’s squad for West Indies series despite featuring in the England Tests

Layne’s addition means he will join Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip in the fast-bowling group. The squad also features allrounder Justin Greaves, while the spin department will rely on the experienced Roston Chase, Jomel Warrican, and Khary Pierre. With India’s batting depth posing a stern challenge, the reshuffled attack will need to punch above its weight.

West Indies’ hectic international calendar makes squad depth even more critical. Following the conclusion of the Tests in India, the team will head straight to Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20Is, before embarking on a full tour of New Zealand that includes all three formats. They are also currently engaged in a three-match T20I series against Nepal in the UAE.

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.

Also READ: BCCI unveils India’s squad for the Test series against West Indies; Devdutt Padikkal returns