Cricket West Indies (CWI) have not spared fast bowler Alzarri Joseph as the latter received suspension for two matches. The board decision came at time when Antiguan angrily left the playing field during a third one day international game against England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Frustration Boils Over: Alzarri Joseph’s On-Field Dispute with Captain Shai Hope Leaves West Indies a Fielder Short in Crucial Over
The accident happened in the fourth over of the game. Joseph was dissatisfied with a particular field assignment and might be seen quarreling with captain Shai Hope. He bowled a maiden over to Hardik Pandya and dismissed Jordan Cox off the fourth ball of the over but ensured he didn’t share the landmark celebration with his superiors. Subsequently, after the end of the over, he left the field surreptitiously and that put West Indies into difficulties as they remained with only 10 fielders when the fifth over commenced.
CWI director Miles Bascombe issued a statement in response to the incicent, as quoted by windiescricket.com:
“Alzarri’s behavior did not align with the core values that Cricket West Indies upholds. Such conduct cannot be overlooked, and we have taken decisive action to ensure the gravity of the situation is fully acknowledged,”
Joseph to Miss Opening T20 Clashes: Fast Bowler Suspended for First Two Games Against England
The 27-year-old will be sidelined in the first two matches of the five- match T20 series against England.
The Antiguan has accepted that his bahavior was wrong and said he has apologized to Shai Hope, his teammates and the fans. He said (via windiescricket.com):
“I recognize that my passion got the best of me. I have personally apologized to Captain Shai Hope, my teammates and management. I also extend my sincerest apologies to the West Indies fans—I understand that even a brief lapse in judgment can have a far-reaching impact, and I deeply regret any disappointment caused,”
The pacer had snaffled figures of 10-1-45-2 that saw him send back Cox and Dan Mousley to help England be bowled out for 263 for 50 overs. Before that, Brandon King and Keacy Carty set up an eight-wicket win to take the series and both made centuries.
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