LONDON, CMC – Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph is poised for his first taste of English County cricket after penning a seven-game deal with Worcestershire for the first part of the upcoming season.
The 24-year-old, who has taken 34 wickets from 14 Tests, is expected to join up with the West Midlands outfit on April 4 following the conclusion of the current series against Sri Lanka in the Caribbean.
“He is a quality performer, and we are delighted to have signed him for the best part of two months,” said Worcestershire Cricket Steering Group chairman, Paul Pridgeon.
“With it looking like Josh Tongue and Pat Brown may not be match-fit for the start of the season, Alex Gidman (head coach) and Joe Leach (captain) both felt they needed another seamer.
“Alzarri is going to be available for seven matches and is an exciting prospect.
“He opened the bowling in the Tests against England last year and more recently played in the ODI side against Sri Lanka.”
Joseph, who has also taken 54 wickets from 34 One-Day Internationals, has become a fixture in the West Indies setup, ever since his starring role in West Indies’ capture of the ICC Under-19 World Cup five years ago.
His batting has also come on of late, with stroke-filled half-centuries on successive Test tours of New Zealand and Bangladesh.
Joseph said he was looking forward to linking up with the squad at New Road.
“I am thrilled to be joining Worcestershire for the early part of the summer,” said the Antiguan.
“When I heard the club was interested in me, I had no hesitation in saying yes. The club has a strong squad with a nice balance of youth and experience, and I’m really looking forward to working with bowling coach Alan Richardson.
“I would also like to thank Cricket West Indies for allowing me the opportunity to go and experience county cricket.”
The County season bowls off April 8 with Worcestershire away to Essex in their opening match.