ST.JOHN’s, Antigua, CMC- Promising Antiguan fast bowler Alzarri Joseph is set to make his Test debut after he was drafted into the West Indies side for the current home series against India.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) announced yesterday that the 19 year old pacer has been added to the squad for the second Test which bowls off in Jamaica on Saturday.
Joseph’s inclusion increases the squad from 13 to 14 following their innings and 92 runs defeat against the Indians in the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.
Earlier this year, Joseph snared 13 wickets to lead West Indies to title honours during the ICC’s Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh which included a haul of 3 for 39 in the final against India.
The 6ft 4in pacer was clocked delivering the fastest ball in the ICC Under-19 youth World Cup at 91.5mph and consistently hovered around the high 80s-90mph.
He claimed at least one wicket in each of his opening bursts, hitting Helmets and gloves.
“We feel that Alzarri, who led the attack so expertly in the ICC Youth World Cup earlier this year in Bangladesh, will now benefit from the professional guidance of our coaching staff and the presence of fast bowling legend Joel Garner as manager,” said Courtney Browne, chairman of the West Indies selection panel.
“As we develop our Test team, we see this as a positive step in the process. We would like to wish the team every success for the rest of the series.”
Joseph performed outstanding bowling feats for Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the first-class Professional Cricket League, before the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
He grabbed seven wickets for 76 runs against Windward Islands at Windsor Park in Dominica last November.
Joseph’s last assignment has been with the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in matches of the current Caribbean Premier League earlier this month.
SQUAD
Jason Holder (Captain), Kraigg Brathwaite (Vice Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Rajindra Chandrika, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, Leon Johnson and Marlon Samuels.
