• Source:JND

West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has responded to comments made by head coach Daren Sammy after the coach said the pacer had declined selection for the ongoing two-Test series against Pakistan. Joseph believes Sammy's remarks created the wrong impression and says they lacked proper context.

Joseph, who featured in both Test matches against Sri Lanka during the home series in June and July 2026, explained that his decision was linked to his fitness and recovery from injury rather than refusing to play.

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“We had a chat, myself and the head coach. I’ve also had a chat with Cricket West Indies (CWI), and if you realise, the statement CWI released said ‘personal reasons’. Mr Sammy, being around for a long time, 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," Joseph said on the Antigua Observer’s Good Morning Jojo Sports Show.

“Like I said, he knows exactly what that statement would have done and the narrative it would have pushed in the public," he added.

When Cricket West Indies announced the squad for the Pakistan Test series on July 23, the board said Joseph was unavailable because of personal reasons. However, a day later, Sammy told reporters that the fast bowler had turned down the opportunity to play.

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“Joseph has declined selection. That’s the reality of the situation. He was selected. I mean, he’s now coming from injury, and for reasons since, he has declined the selection," Sammy had said.

Joseph said his recent injury history played a major role in his decision. After suffering a second stress fracture in his lower back last year, he wanted to be careful with his workload before returning to the longest format.

“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," Joseph said.

“We spoke about me playing the two Test matches here, playing five back-to-back ODIs (against New Zealand earlier this month) and how my body was feeling, and I knew to myself that my body was not ready to go into another Test series. So, the statement in itself is controversial, without context," he added.

WI vs PAK Test series

Meanwhile, West Indies are leading the two-match series after beating Pakistan by 90 runs in the opening Test. The second and final Test will be played in Port of Spain from August 2 to 7.

Pakistan have also suffered an injury setback ahead of the match, with former captain Shan Masood ruled out after fracturing his thumb.


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