The right-arm quick reported discomfort recently, and subsequent scans revealed a recurrence and degeneration of a previously treated back issue. The setback comes as a major blow for the West Indies ahead of their high-profile tour.
On Monday, September 29, Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the news and announced that left-arm seamer Jediah Blades will join the Test squad as cover. The 23-year-old, currently engaged in the T20I series against Nepal in Sharjah, will link up with the Test team after the final match of the series on Tuesday.
Blades, yet to make his Test debut, has already featured in three ODIs and five T20Is for the Caribbean side. Meanwhile, CWI also revealed that Jason Holder declined the opportunity to replace Alzarri Joseph, as the senior all-rounder has a scheduled medical procedure.
“Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against India due to a lower back injury. After complaints of discomfort, scans revealed a recurrence of the issue. Jediah Blades, who has represented West Indies in ODIs and T20Is, has been named as cover following the Nepal series. Jason Holder declined selection citing a planned medical procedure,” CWI stated.
Alzarri Joseph: Revised West Indies Squad for India Test Series
West Indies have announced their updated squad for the upcoming Test series against India:
Squad: Roston Chase (C), Jomel Warrican (VC), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Johann Layne, Jediah Blades, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.
The absence of Alzarri Joseph has dealt a major blow to the West Indies pace attack. Just a week ago, Shamar Alzarri Joseph was also ruled out due to injury, with uncapped seam-bowling all-rounder Johann Layne named as his replacement. Among the current squad, Jayden Seales remains the only pacer with more than 10 Test appearances.
The West Indies tour of India 2025 begins on October 2 with the first Test at the Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. The second and final Test will take place from October 10–14 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
