BRIDGETOWN: West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of next month’s two-Test series against India due to the recurrence of a back injury, the team said on Monday.

“After [Joseph’s] complaints of discomfort, scans revealed a degeneration of the previously resolved lower back injury,” West Indies Cricket said.

Jason Holder was unavailable to replace Joseph due to a planned medical procedure, and Jediah Blades, capped in limited-overs internationals, was drafted in as cover. India are hosting West Indies’ first test tour of the country in seven years and the series begins in Ahmedabad on Oct 2.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2025