Just days before their much-anticipated Test series against India, the West Indies have been dealt a major setback. Their pace spearhead has been ruled out of the two-match series due to injury, forcing the team to make a last-minute change to their squad.
Shamar Joseph Sidelined Ahead of India Tour
The West Indies are scheduled to face India in a two-match Test series starting October 2 in Ahmedabad — their first assignment of the new ICC World Test Championship cycle. However, preparations have been disrupted as fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been ruled out of the entire tour after picking up an untimely injury.
To fill the void, the selectors have drafted in Johann Layne, a young fast-bowling allrounder, as his replacement.
“Johann Layne has replaced Shamar Joseph in the squad for the Test series against India,” West Indies Cricket announced on social media.
“Joseph has been ruled out due to injury and will be re-evaluated ahead of the Bangladesh limited-overs series,” the statement added.
Meet Johann Layne: The New Face in the Squad
At just 22 years old, Johann Layne is one of the most promising fast-bowling allrounders coming through the Caribbean ranks. Hailing from Barbados, Layne has already shown his potential in domestic cricket.
Matches: 19 first-class games
Batting: 495 runs with two half-centuries
Bowling: 66 wickets at an average of 22.28
While he is yet to make his international debut, the youngster’s all-round abilities offer balance to the West Indies squad in the absence of Joseph.
A Historic Challenge Awaits the West Indies
The Roston Chase-led side now faces an even steeper challenge as they look to create history on Indian soil. West Indies have not won a Test series in India since the 1983-84 tour, when they claimed a 3-0 victory in a six-match series.
Since then, they haven’t won a single Test in India for 31 years, and India have dominated every bilateral series since 2002/03 — winning all nine contests. This tour is not just about World Test Championship points; it’s about reclaiming pride against one of the world’s strongest Test sides.
Series Schedule and Squad Details
The Test series kicks off on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, followed by the second match on October 10 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
Updated West Indies Squad:
Roston Chase (captain), Jomel Warrican (vc), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Johann Layne, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.
With Joseph sidelined, the spotlight will now be on young Layne to step up and make a mark. For the West Indies, this series is about overcoming history, battling adversity, and proving their mettle on one of cricket’s toughest tours.
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