IND vs WI: West Indies Paceman Shamar Joseph Ruled Out, Johann Layne Drafted In

West Indies have been dealt a major setback ahead of their India Test series, with fast bowler Shamar Joseph ruled out due to injury. The two-match series is set to begin on October 2 in Ahmedabad, and Joseph’s place in the squad has been taken by all-rounder Johann Layne.

The 26-year-old pacer had been in impressive form, claiming 22 wickets in three Tests this year, ranking among the top five wicket-takers in the format. Joseph’s fitness will be reassessed ahead of the Bangladesh limited-overs series, which kicks off on October 18 and features three ODIs and T20Is.

A statement from West Indies Cricket confirmed:
"Johann Layne has replaced Shamar Joseph in the squad for the Test series against India. Joseph has been ruled out due to an injury and will be re-evaluated ahead of the Bangladesh limited-overs series."

Johann Layne: A Valuable Replacement

Layne, who has played 19 first-class matches, has scored 495 runs in 32 innings, including two fifties. His bowling credentials make him a strong option for the Windies, having taken 66 wickets at an average of 22.88, including four five-wicket hauls.

Series Schedule & Squads

The series will be played across Ahmedabad and Delhi, with the second Test starting on October 10. India have announced a strong squad, with Axar Patel and Devdutt Padikkal included, while Karun Nair and Abhimanyu Easwaran miss out.

India Squad:
Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, N. Jagadeesan (WK), Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav.

West Indies Squad:
Roston Chase (C), Jomel Warrican (VC), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Alzarri Joseph, Johann Layne, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.

The series promises exciting contests between two strong squads, with West Indies looking to adjust quickly to Joseph’s absence and India aiming to start the series on a dominant note.