West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been suspended for two matches following his walkoff after fight with captain Shai Hope in the 3rd ODI against England.
West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph will pay a big price for his angry walkoff in the third ODI against England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Joseph stormed off the field after an argument with captain Shai Hope and West Indies fielded with only 10 members for one over before Alzarri returned to the field.
Alzarri Joseph has been suspended for two matches for storming off the field, Cricket West Indies (CWI) informed on Thursday. The former Gujarat Titan fast bowler appeared to be frustrated by the field placings as he bowled a wicket maiden early in the match in Barbados and, after a heated exchange with Hope, walked back to the dressing room which briefly left the home team a man short.
“I recognise that my passion got the best of me,” Joseph said in a CWI statement. “I have personally apologised to captain Shai Hope and 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.”
WATCH Alzarri Joseph walk off the field in 3rd ODI vs England HERE…
Gets angry! 😡
Bowls a wicket maiden 👊
Leaves 🤯An eventful start to the game for Alzarri Joseph! 😬#WIvENGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/2OXbk0VxWt
— FanCode (@FanCode) November 6, 2024
West Indies coach Daren Sammy had already labelled Joseph’s conduct unacceptable and CWI said it had fallen short of the professionalism expected of players. “Such conduct cannot be overlooked, and we have taken decisive action to ensure the gravity of the situation is fully acknowledged,” said Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe.
West Indies, whose eight-wicket victory on Wednesday clinched the series 2-1, take on England in the first of five Twenty20 Internationals at Kensington Oval on Saturday.
Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy, who was appointed as West Indies head coach in May 2023, is widely credited for his man-management abilities and has convinced several players, such as Andre Russell and Evin Lewis, to return to the international cricket.
“I pride myself on having the difficult conversations. But in a way that everybody understands what is needed to be done. To see guys going out there and slowly progressing in the right direction makes me proud. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but it’s one that I’m quite passionate about,” Sammy was quoted as saying by TalkSport.