Home / Sports / West Indies Pacer Alzarri Joseph Ruled Out of India Test Series Due to Back Injury
West Indies Pacer Alzarri Joseph Ruled Out of India Test Series Due to Back Injury
29 Sep
Summary
- Alzarri Joseph ruled out of India Test series due to lower back injury
- Jediah Blades drafted as cover for the two-match Test series
- West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder declines to replace Joseph
On September 29, 2025, it was announced that West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against India due to a lower back injury. The series, which is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship, is set to begin on October 2 in Ahmedabad.
Joseph complained of discomfort, and scans revealed degeneration of a previously resolved lower back issue. As a result, the left-arm pacer Jediah Blades has been drafted as cover for the two Tests. Blades, who is currently playing against Nepal in a T20I series, is expected to make his red-ball debut for the West Indies against India.
Additionally, West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder has declined to be considered as Joseph's replacement due to a planned medical procedure. Earlier, the Caribbean side had also faced another setback as fast bowler Shamar Joseph was ruled out with an undisclosed injury, with 22-year-old all-rounder Johann Layne added to the squad in his place.
These injury setbacks present a challenge for the visiting West Indies team, but the inclusion of younger players like Blades and Layne offers an opportunity to test the bench strength ahead of the World Test Championship campaign.
