West Indies have suffered a major setback ahead of their Test series against India, as fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been ruled out with an injury. In his place, uncapped pace-bowling all-rounder Johann Layne has been added to the squad.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the development and stated that Joseph will be assessed again before the limited-overs tour of Bangladesh.
The two-match series in India ends on 14 October, after which West Indies will move to Bangladesh for three ODIs starting on 18 October, followed by three T20Is between 27 October and 1 November. They have a busy playing schedule, as they will then embark on an all-format tour of New Zealand.
Joseph has become one of West Indies’ leading bowlers since making his debut against Australia in January 2024, where he took a five-wicket haul. In 11 Test matches so far, he has taken 51 wickets at an impressive average of 21.66.
Layne was part of the squad for the Australia series but was initially left out by the selectors for the India tour. The 22-year-old has played 19 first-class matches, taking 66 wickets at an average of 22.28, and has scored 495 runs. In the recent domestic four-day competition, he impressed with 27 wickets in six matches, including two five-wicket hauls and a six-wicket haul against the Windward Islands. The seam-bowling all-rounder also featured for West Indies A against South Africa A earlier this year.
Layne will strengthen a pace attack that includes Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip, while spin duties will be handled by vice-captain Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, and captain Roston Chase.
Updated squad:
Roston Chase (c), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Brandon King, Justin Greaves, Johann Layne, Khary Pierre, Jomel Warrican (vc), Alzarri Joseph, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.
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