Alzarri Joseph and Daren Sammy (Source: AFP)West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has once again found himself at the centre of attention after being left out of the Test squad for the two-match series against Pakistan. Cricket West Indies (CWI) initially said the pacer was unavailable due to personal reasons, but head coach Daren Sammy later claimed Joseph had declined selection. But Alzarri Joseph responded publicly and stated that Daren Sammy’s comments lacked proper context. The first Test was played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba and the West Indies won the match by 90 runs, while the second Test is scheduled from August 2 to 6 at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain.Daren Sammy's Statement Creates Fresh ControversyWest Indies head coach Daren Sammy revealed that Alzarri Joseph was originally selected for the two-match Test series against Pakistan but decided not to be part of the squad. He added that the decision was beyond his control and suggested that Cricket West Indies officials would have to deal with situations where contracted players decline selection.However, Sammy's comments contradicted the earlier statement from Cricket West Indies, which had said Joseph was unavailable due to personal reasons.Also Read: West Indies Test Squad for Pakistan Announced; Key Pacer OutAlzarri Joseph Responds To Daren Sammy's CommentsSpeaking on the Good Morning Jojo Sport Show, Alzarri Joseph rejected Daren Sammy's version of events and said the coach was fully aware of the discussions that had taken place before the squad announcement.Joseph explained that after returning from a second stress fracture, he had only recently resumed international cricket and did not feel physically ready to play another demanding Test series. He said he, Sammy, and Cricket West Indies had discussed his workload, which included two Test matches and five ODI games against New Zealand. He described the coach's remarks as controversial and without context.“We had a chat, myself and the head coach. I’ve also had a chat with CWI and if you realize the statement CWI released said personal reasons. Mr Sammy, being around for a long time, he knows exactly what that statement would have done so to be honest, I have nothing to say to Mr Sammy in terms of his statement." he said"Like I said, he knows exactly what that statement would have done and the narrative it would have pushed in the public,” he said.“Obviously, I’ve been out for an entire year. I haven’t played at international intensity for so long after having a second stress fracture. We spoke about me playing the two Test matches here, playing five back-to-back ODIs and how my body was feeling and I knew to myself, my body was not ready to go into another Test series. So, the statement in itself is controversial, without context,” he added.Not The First Time Joseph Has Been In The SpotlightThis is not the first time Alzarri Joseph has been involved in controversy. During the third ODI against England in Bridgetown in 2024, the fast bowler had a heated disagreement with captain Shai Hope over a field placement.Although Joseph dismissed Jordan Cox during the over, he chose not to celebrate and instead walked back to his mark. At the end of the over, he left the field without informing the team, forcing West Indies to briefly continue with only 10 fielders.Watch the video here:FanCode @FanCode Gets angry! 😡 Bowls a wicket maiden 👊 Leaves 🤯 An eventful start to the game for Alzarri Joseph! 😬 #WIvENGonFanCode Nov 7, 2024, 1:10 AM Joseph later returned to bowl but again left the field after a couple of misfields during his spell. Cricket West Indies subsequently suspended him for two matches because of his unsanctioned departure from the field.Also Read: Hardik Pandya Trade Deal- CSK, KKR, DC In A 3-Way Fight
