West Indies have received a massive jolt ahead of the start of their two-Test series against India as pacer Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out, complaining of discomfort in his lower back. The Cricket West Indies (CWI) gave a statement on Monday, September 29, on social media. Jediah Blades, who is uncapped at the Test level, has been drafted in as cover for the two Tests.
Blades, who is currently part of the squad in the ongoing T20I series against Nepal in Sharjah, will join the Test squad in India after winding up the series in the UAE. Earlier, at the end of last year, the pacer made his debut for West Indies and has featured in seven games across the white-ball formats so far.
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Notably, CWI had approached all-rounder Jason Holder to replace Joseph. However, the veteran declined selection, citing a planned medical procedure. The first Test will begin on Thursday, October 02, in Ahmedabad, and the second and last Test will be played on October 10 in Delhi.
West Indies aim to get WTC points on board against India
Notably, the West Indies are also yet to register points on the board in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle as they have lost all three Tests to Australia. With whispers about a potential two-tier cycle introduced in the next WTC Cycle, the Caribbean side will be keen to show they still have enough gas left in the tank to compete against the big teams in Test cricket.
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India, who are coming off a hard-earned 2-2 draw against England, will be a tough opposition for the West Indies. However, if the Caribbean side shows enough stomach for a fight, then the results can go either way.
