Credit: Adapted from reporting by The Daily Observer (By Neto Baptiste).

West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has described recent comments made by West Indies head coach Daren Sammy regarding his decision to sit out the ongoing Test series against Pakistan as “controversial and without context.”

Speaking on the matter, Joseph revealed that he had already discussed his decision directly with Sammy and officials from Cricket West Indies (CWI), suggesting the public statement issued afterward did not accurately reflect those conversations.

“We had a chat, myself and the head coach. I’ve also had a chat with CWI, and the statement that was released said persons around Mr. Sammy, being around for a long time, know exactly what that statement would have done. To be honest, I have nothing to say to Mr. Sammy in terms of his statement. Like I said, he knows exactly what that statement would have done and the narrative it would have pushed in the public,” Joseph said.

The Antiguan pacer explained that his decision was based entirely on his physical condition after spending an extended period away from international cricket while recovering from a second stress fracture.

“I’ve been out for an entire year. I haven’t played international cricket for so long after having a second stress fracture. We spoke about me playing the two Test matches here, playing five back-to-back ODIs and how my body was feeling. I knew my body was not ready to go into another Test series. So, the statement in itself is controversial and without context,” he added.

The comments come after Sammy said Joseph had “declined selection” for the two-match Test series against Pakistan despite being named in the 15-member squad. Sammy also indicated that the matter was “way over my head” and suggested discussions were needed regarding situations where contracted players decline selection.

Joseph, however, dismissed suggestions that the issue had affected his relationship with the West Indies head coach, insisting his focus remains solely on representing the regional team.

“I’m a professional, so I’m going to work. I am representing the West Indies. I’m not representing Daren Sammy. I’m neither here nor there in terms of a relationship. I don’t go there to make friends. I go there to work and do a job and represent the people of the West Indies,” he said.

Joseph returned to Test cricket earlier this year against Sri Lanka after recovering from the injury that sidelined him from tours of India and New Zealand. He also featured in the one-day international series against Sri Lanka before the current Pakistan tour.

The West Indies are currently leading the two-match Test series against Pakistan 1-0 after securing a 90-run victory in the opening Test. The second and final Test is scheduled to begin on August 2.

Source: Adapted from reporting by The Daily Observer and sports journalist Neto Baptiste.