Antiguan fast bowler Joseph calls Sammy’s Test withdrawal remarks ‘controversial without context’
Joseph responds to Sammy’s comments
Antiguan fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has described statements made by West Indies senior men’s team coach Daren Sammy regarding Joseph’s decision to miss the ongoing Test series against Pakistan as “controversial and without context”. Joseph indicated that the coach was aware of the arrangement beforehand.
Speaking on the Good Morning Jojo Sport Show, Joseph explained that he had discussions with both the head coach and CWI. He noted that the CWI statement cited “personal reasons” for his absence. Joseph suggested that Sammy, with his experience, would have understood the implications and narrative that such a statement would create publicly.
Joseph clarified that he had been out of action for an entire year due to a second stress fracture and had not played at international intensity for an extended period. He mentioned discussions about playing two Test matches and five consecutive ODIs, and how his body was feeling. Joseph concluded that his body was not prepared for another Test series, leading him to label Sammy’s statement as controversial and lacking context.
Sammy’s initial statement and Joseph’s focus
Following the announcement of the 15-member squad for the two-match Test series in Trinidad, Sammy had stated that Joseph “declined selection” despite being chosen for the series. The head coach added that the decision was “way over my head” and that he was leaving it to the directors to find solutions regarding contracted players declining selection.
When asked if this situation had strained his relationship with the head coach, Joseph affirmed that his primary focus remains West Indies cricket and providing the best possible representation. He stated, “I’m a professional, so I’m going to go to work. I am representing the West Indies. I’m not representing Daren Sammy, so for me, I’m neither here nor there in terms of a relationship. I don’t go there to make friends. I go there to work and do a job and represent the people of the West Indies.”
Joseph had returned to Test cricket in June this year against Sri Lanka, after recovering from a lower back injury that had kept him out of previous tours to India and New Zealand. The Antiguan also participated in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.
The West Indies currently hold a one-nil lead in the two-match Test series against Pakistan, having won the opening match by 90 runs. The second Test is scheduled to begin on August 2nd.
Bishop’s Test call-up and journey
Meanwhile, Barbadian left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop has been selected for the West Indies Test squad for the two-match series against Pakistan in Trinidad. This call-up signifies the culmination of consistent performances in regional cricket, where he has established himself as a reliable spinner in the Caribbean.
Bishop claimed 91 wickets for the Barbados Pride and the West Indies Academy over the past three West Indies Championship seasons, making him the leading wicket-taker during that period. He credits patience as a key strength on the field and applied this mindset to his career, waiting for his opportunity.
Bishop expressed his joy at the call-up, stating it was a childhood dream to represent the West Indies and that it brought happiness to him and his family. He believes the West Indies Academy pathway was crucial for his development, helping him become a more complete cricketer and adapt to challenging situations.
The 26-year-old spinner attributes his success to simple methods, which have led to him accumulating 116 wickets in 25 first-class matches. He has also recorded two centuries batting in the lower order. Bishop emphasised sticking to his routines and giving 100% effort for the team.
Bishop’s immediate family, including his mom, dad, and late grandmother, serve as his inspiration, always encouraging him to persevere through difficulties. He views the opportunity to represent the West Indies as a chance to make his family proud and to learn from the international environment, aiming to improve his skills against some of the world’s best players.
If Bishop earns an opportunity during the two-match series against Pakistan, he could become West Indies Test Cap No. 348. He believes that selection must be earned through hard work, a principle reflected in his guiding mantra: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard enough.”
The second Test of the series is set to bowl off on August 2nd.
Source: antiguaobserver.com
