BRIDGETOWN – West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has publicly disputed head coach Darren Sammy’s claim that he refused to play in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan, saying the coach’s remarks were taken out of context and did not reflect the full circumstances.
The West Indies media reported that Sammy had stated that Joseph declined to participate in the Pakistan series despite being selected for the squad.
Responding to the claim, Joseph said his decision was made after discussions with Sammy and Cricket West Indies, stressing that it was based solely on workload management and injury concerns.
The fast bowler explained that he had been out of international cricket for an extended period after suffering a second stress fracture and that an agreement had been reached for him to play two Test matches and five One-Day Internationals as part of his return.
“My body was not ready for another Test series,” Joseph said, adding that Sammy’s comments were “controversial and taken out of context.”
Joseph also emphasized his commitment to the national team, saying he represents the West Indies, not any individual. He added that he is continuing to recover from a lower back injury.
The disagreement comes as the two-match Test series continues, with the West Indies holding a 1-0 lead over Pakistan.
