Alzarri Joseph has responded to head coach Daren Sammy’s recent statement about his absence from the West Indies squad for the ongoing two-match Test series against Pakistan. Sammy had stated that Joseph declined selection, a characterisation that Joseph now disputes. The fast bowler said Sammy’s comment was controversial and lacked proper context regarding the circumstances of his unavailability. Cricket West Indies had officially cited personal reasons when naming the 15-member squad for the series.
Sammy made his statement at a press interaction two days before the first Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The head coach said Joseph had been selected but declined the opportunity. Sammy noted that Joseph was coming from injury and had declined selection for reasons that emerged after his initial selection.
“We had a chat, myself and the head coach. I’ve also had a chat with CWI, and you realise the statement CWI released said ‘personal reasons’. Mr Sammy, being around for a long time, knows exactly what that statement would have done, so, to be honest, I have nothing to say to Mr Sammy in terms of his statement,” Joseph said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Joseph disputes Sammy’s characterisation of his absence
“Like I said, he knows exactly what that statement would have done and the narrative it would have pushed in the public.” Joseph said.
“Obviously, I’ve been out for an entire year. I haven’t played at international intensity for so long after having a second stress fracture,” Joseph said.
Fitness concerns and recent injury history shape Joseph’s decision
The ace pacer further opened up about how playing an ODI series against New Zealand followed by a Test series was something his body was not ready for. As a result, he chose to opt out of the series but did not “decline” selection, as Sammy said in the media.
“We spoke about me playing the two Test matches here, playing five back-to-back ODIs [against New Zealand earlier this month] and how my body was feeling, and I knew to myself, my body was not ready to go into another Test series. So, the statement in itself is controversial, without context,” the bowler explained.
“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,” Joseph said.
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