Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Friday announced a two-match ban on pacer Alzarri Joseph for his role in the third ODI against England at Bridgetown on Wednesday. There was an argument with captain Shai Hope during the third ODI match at Bridgetown.
Joseph got into a heated argument with skipper Hope after West Indies opted to play in the series decider against England. Joseph was unhappy with the pitch setting against England batsman Jordan Cox in the fourth innings of England’s innings.
“Alzarri’s behavior is inconsistent with the core values upheld by West Indies Cricket. This behavior cannot be ignored and we have taken decisive action to ensure that the seriousness of the situation is fully recognized.
The 27-year-old pacer also publicly apologized for his actions. “I recognize that my passion got the better of me. I personally apologize to captain Shee Hope, my team-mates and the management. I also offer my sincerest apologies to the West Indies fans – I understand that, even if only briefly Errors in judgment can also have far-reaching consequences, and I deeply regret any disappointment caused.
Alzarri Joseph was a very angry man yesterday.
This is a Rip-Snorter. pic.twitter.com/vzKEhP51OI— Anirudh Kalra (@CricketKalra) November 7, 2024
After the first ball, Joseph was visibly upset with his wicket-keeper skipper and two overs. He ejected Cox with a vicious bouncer and then stormed off the field at the end of the match.
Joseph refused to celebrate his dismissal as he continued his bitter disagreement with skipper Hope, while West Indies coach Darren Sammy walked to the sidelines, prompting the bowler to calm his nerves. However, the Antiguan bowler soon completed a wicket-maiden before storming off the field and into the dressing room, leaving West Indies with just 10 players in the field.
Joseph quickly made his way from the locker room to the dugout and returned to the court after the next game. He completed his quota of 10 overs with two wickets.
“Unacceptable”
However, Joseph was quickly criticized after West Indies beat England by eight wickets to win the series 2-1, with head coach Sammy calling his behavior “unacceptable”.
“Behavior like this is unacceptable on my cricket field,” Sammy told TalkSPORT. “We would be friends… but in the culture I’m trying to build, that’s not acceptable. We’re definitely going to talk about it.
“I pride myself on being able to have difficult conversations,” Sami said. “But in a way where everyone understands what needs to be done. It makes me proud to see people go out and slowly make progress in the right direction,” he added.
