Injured Alzarri ruled out of India Test series; Blades drafted as cover

Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Monday morning announced that fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against India due to a lower back injury.

“After complaints of discomfort, scans revealed a degeneration of the previously resolved lower back injury,” CWI said in a release.

Left-arm seamer Jediah Blades, who has been capped in One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, has been drafted in as cover for the two Tests following the ongoing series against Nepal.

CWI added: “Jason Holder declined selection as Joseph’s replacement for the series citing a planned medical procedure.”

This is the second major injury setback for West Indies with Shamar Joseph also missing out, making way for Johann Layne.

Updated West Indies Test squad for India series: Roston Chase (capt), Jomel Warrican (vice-capt), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Johann Layne, Jediah Blades, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.

FULL TOUR SCHEDULE

1st Test: 2-6 October 2025 @ Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

2nd Test: 10-14 October 2025 @ Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi