West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has spoken publicly about his decision to miss the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. He said his body was not ready for another long series and described head coach Daren Sammy’s comments as incomplete.
The issue began when Cricket West Indies announced that Joseph was unavailable for personal reasons. Later, Sammy told reporters that the fast bowler had declined selection.
Joseph has now shared his side of the story during the Good Morning Jojo Sport Show. He said he had already informed both Sammy and Cricket West Indies before the squad was announced.
“We had a chat, myself and the head coach. I’ve also had a chat with CWI and if you realize I was out of cricket for roughly a year after my second stress fracture. I came back into international cricket against Sri Lanka, played two Test matches and then five ODIs back to back. At that point, I just felt like my body was not ready to go into another Test series,” Joseph said.
The 29 year old returned to international cricket in June after recovering from his second stress fracture. He played both Tests against Sri Lanka and then featured in five straight One Day Internationals against New Zealand.
Joseph felt another Test series immediately after that workload could have increased the risk of injury.
He also reacted to Sammy’s public comments.
“My body was not ready to go into another Test series. So, the statement in itself is controversial, without context,” Joseph said.
Earlier this week, Sammy admitted Joseph’s absence was a major setback for the team.
“Yeah, it is a big loss. Mr Joseph has declined selection. That’s the reality of the situation,” Sammy said.
The West Indies coach added that Joseph had been selected despite returning from injury.
“He was selected. I mean, he’s now coming from injury. And for reasons since, he has declined the selection.”
Sammy also said the matter was beyond his authority.
“That is a decision that is way over my head. I leave that with the directors to come up with whatever solutions where contracted players get to decline selection,” he said.
Joseph was also asked if the incident had affected his relationship with the coach.
“I’m a professional, so I’m going to go to work. I am representing the West Indies. I’m not representing Daren Sammy,” he said.
He added that his focus remains on performing for his country whenever he is fit and available.
West Indies have moved on without Joseph in the Pakistan series. Their pace attack has included Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales. They won the opening Test by 90 runs.
