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Big blow for West Indies as Shamar Joseph ruled out of India Test series

Soumyajit Dutta

Shamar Joseph [Source: AFP Photos]Shamar Joseph [Source: AFP Photos]

In what has come as a massive blow for the West Indies, Shamar Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against India. Johann Layne has been named as the replacement for the fast bowler, who has been sidelined due to an undisclosed injury. 

Cricket West Indies announced this shocking news, along with Johann Layne's inclusion, on their official social media handles.

WI replace Joseph with fresh face

Johann Layne, the Barbados-born all-rounder, has featured in 19 first-class games so far. He has shone exceptionally with the ball, picking up 66 wickets at an average of 22.28, including four five-wicket hauls. With the bat, Layne has scored 495 runs from 32 innings, including two fifties.

The West Indies, however, will be losing experience with Shamar Joseph, who claimed 51 wickets in just 11 Test innings, boasting an economy rate of 3.81 and an average of 21.66. Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales will be spearheading the pace battery in the absence of a talent like Joseph.

Joseph's return uncertain

While Joseph’s injury opens the door for debutant Layne, Shamar’s return to the West Indies setup has not yet been confirmed. Reportedly, Joseph will be re-evaluated ahead of the Bangladesh white-ball series, which will see the teams face off in three ODIs and three T20Is starting from October 18.

For now, the first Test between West Indies and India is scheduled to commence on October 2 as the latter gets a short break returning from the Asia Cup after the final on September 28.

Updated West Indies squad for India Tests

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