Alzarri Joseph Withdraws from India Tour Due to Injury

The West Indies face a significant setback as they prepare for the upcoming Test series in India this week. Pacer Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out after scans revealed a recurrence of a previous lower back injury. This update was shared by Cricket West Indies on their social media platforms.

Jediah Blades, who has yet to make his Test debut, has been called up as cover for the two matches. Currently part of the T20I squad against Nepal in Sharjah, Blades will join the Test team in India following the series in the UAE. Last year, he debuted in the ODI format for West Indies and has since participated in seven white-ball games.

Initially, CWI considered Jason Holder to step in for Joseph, but he declined due to a planned medical procedure. The Test series will commence with the first game on October 2 in Ahmedabad, followed by the second and final Test kicking off on October 10 in Delhi.