Alzarri Joseph Roston Chase. Image Credits: AFP
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has revealed the real reason why pacer Alzarri Joseph is not part of the West Indies Test squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan. His statement contradicts the previous explanation provided by Cricket West Indies (CWI), which had cited ‘personal reasons’ for his absence.
It is important to note that the two-match series between Pakistan and the West Indies, which is a part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27, will begin on July 25.
The first match will take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba and last until July 28. However, the next match will take place from August 2 to 6 at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain.
Alzarri Joseph declined to be part of the Test squad, reveals West Indies coach Daren Sammy
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph had declined selection for the forthcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, according to West Indies head coach Daren Sammy. This might be a huge blow for the West Indies side as they go in for the crucial games without their premier pacer.
The 29-year-old played a crucial part in the ODI series against New Zealand and both Test matches against Sri Lanka earlier this summer. When announcing the 15-member squad, CWI said Joseph was unavailable due to personal reasons.
"Yeah, it is a big loss. Mr. Joseph has declined selection. That's the reality of the situation. He was selected. I mean, he's now coming back from injury. And for reasons known to him, he has declined the selection,” Sammy told reporters ahead of the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba.
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Sammy declined to elaborate on Joseph's decision, stating that the cricket board had the final word.
"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,” Sammy said.
Daren Sammy shows confidence in the West Indies bowling lineup
Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach, and Jayden Seales will spearhead the West Indies' pace attack during the Pakistan Test series, while all-rounders Justin Greaves and Keemo Paul offer more seam options.
Captain Roston Chase, uncapped Joshua Bishop, and Jomel Warrican make up the spin department. Sammy said he was confident his bowling team could get rid of Pakistan twice in every Test, even without Joseph.
“What I could tell you is that we have a bowling line-up that we've seen can take 20 wickets. That's the first step towards winning Test matches. We saw it in New Zealand. We saw it in the Australia series. We matched Australia with the ball. We matched New Zealand with the ball as well.
And the confidence and the work that the batters have put in, you could see it bearing fruit in the Test series against Sri Lanka. There is much more consistency coming through. So once we put those two together—batters scoring runs and bowlers taking wickets—we know we have the bowling lineup to take 20 wickets and help us win Test matches,” Sammy stated.
Kirk McKenzie returns to the West Indies squad
After Joshua Bishop's outstanding domestic performances, the selectors rewarded him with his first Test call-up, and Kirk McKenzie made his Test team comeback for the first time since 2024. Given that Pakistan and the West Indies are now at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, the series is vital for both nations.
West Indies squad for Test series against Pakistan:
Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Joshua Bishop, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Shai Hope, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Kirk McKenzie, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales.
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