Is Injured Joseph Out of the India Tests? Layne Steps In!

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shamar Joseph ruled out due to injury.
- Johann Layne called up as replacement.
- Test series against India from October 2 to 14.
- Part of ICC World Test Championship.
- New talent like Khary Pierre included in the squad.
New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) Fast bowler Shamar Joseph has been officially ruled out of the upcoming Test series against India due to an injury, as confirmed by Cricket West Indies on Friday.
Johann Layne, a 22-year-old all-rounder, has been named as Joseph's replacement in the squad for the series scheduled from October 2 to 14.
Layne has participated in 19 first-class matches, accumulating 495 runs in 32 innings, including two half-centuries. His bowling statistics are impressive as well, with a total of 66 wickets at an average of 22.28, featuring four five-wicket hauls.
On the other hand, Joseph has played 11 Tests, taking 51 wickets at an average of 21.66. He began his Test career with a notable five-wicket haul on debut against Australia in January 2024.
CWI has stated that Joseph will undergo a reevaluation ahead of the Bangladesh white-ball series, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is, commencing on October 18.
This two-Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship and will be the second assignment for Roston Chase's team in the new WTC cycle, following the home series against Australia in June-July.
Recently, the West Indies announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series, marking their first Test tour of India since 2018.
A significant addition to the squad is Khary Pierre, the left-arm spinner who has received his maiden call-up due to consistent performances in the West Indies Championship, where he topped the charts with 41 wickets at an average of 13.56.
Additionally, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze have returned to the team. Chanderpaul boasts 560 runs from 10 Tests and last played for the Windies in January 2024 during the tour of Australia, while Athanaze was part of the squad that drew a two-Test series in Pakistan earlier this year.
Updated West Indies squad: Roston Chase (c), 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.