West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph won’t play in the upcoming Test series against India after picking up an injury. The team has brought in uncapped pace-bowling all-rounder Johann Layne to fill his spot.
Windies Cricket announced the change on X, saying Layne steps in for Joseph. The star pacer will get checked again before the West Indies head to Bangladesh for limited-overs matches later this month. The Tests in India wrap up on October 14, followed by three ODIs in Bangladesh starting October 18 and three T20Is from October 27 to November 1.
Joseph was set to lead the West Indies pace attack, but injuries have held him back. In his 11 Test matches so far, he’s grabbed 51 wickets with an average of 21.66—pretty solid numbers for a young talent.
Layne adds some serious domestic firepower to the squad. He’s snagged 66 wickets in 19 first-class games at an average of 22.28 and chipped in with 495 runs at 19.03. This will be his big chance to shine on Test debut in India, where spinners often rule the pitch.
The Cricket West Indies selection panel also brought back Alick Athanaze and Tagenarine Chanderpaul to strengthen the batting lineup against spin bowling—a smart move for these tough conditions.
Layne joins a solid pace group including Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip, with Justin Greaves as another all-round option. On the spin side, expect Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, and captain Roston Chase to handle things.
Here’s the updated West Indies Test squad for the India series: Roston Chase (captain), Jomel Warrican (vice-captain), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Johann Layne, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.
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