West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has hit back at head coach Darren Sammy over comments about his absence from the Test series against Pakistan, insisting the remarks were “controversial” and taken out of context.
According to West Indies media reports, Joseph described Sammy’s remarks as “controversial” and “taken out of context.” Earlier, Sammy had claimed that Joseph refused to play in the Test series against Pakistan despite being selected in the squad.
Responding to the comments, Joseph said he had discussed his situation with Darren Sammy and Cricket West Indies. He explained that he had been sidelined from international cricket for an extended period after suffering a second stress fracture.
“There was a plan for me to play the Two-Test series and five One-Day Internationals, but my body was not ready for another Test series,” Joseph said. “That is why Darren Sammy’s statement is controversial and out of context.”
The fast bowler added that he is a professional cricketer who represents the West Indies, not any individual.
“I had a lower back injury, and my decision was based on my physical condition,” he said. It is worth noting that the West Indies currently lead the two-match Test series against Pakistan 1-0.
It is worth mentioning here that the West Indies have suffered a major setback ahead of their two-Test series against Pakistan after star fast bowler Alzarri Joseph made himself unavailable despite being selected in the squad.
According to reports, Cricket West Indies had announced the squad and stated that Joseph was unavailable due to personal reasons. However, head coach Darren Sammy later clarified that it was Joseph himself who chose not to accept the selection.
Sammy said Joseph had recently returned from injury and was included in the squad, but later withdrew from the series for reasons that have not been disclosed.
The West Indies coach added that the matter was beyond his authority and that Cricket West Indies officials would decide how to proceed.
In Joseph’s absence, the West Indies pace attack for the Pakistan series will be led by Kemar Roach, Jaden Seales, Justin Greaves and Keemo Paul, while the spin department will feature Jomel Warrican, Joshua Bishop and captain Roston Chase.
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