‘He’s created headache’ – Sammy places Joseph in T20 World Cup body

Feb 01, 2024 at 7:53 PM
‘He’s created  headache’ – Sammy places Joseph in T20 World Cup body

West Indies Test hero Shamar Joseph may drive his manner into the T20 World Cup calculations this yr regardless of not enjoying within the two limited-overs sequence in opposition to Australia, with coach Daren Sammy admitting he has created a variety headache.

Joseph despatched shockwaves across the cricket world final Sunday when he took 7 for 68 to encourage West Indies to a historic Test victory over Australia at the Gabba. That got here on the again of a five-wicket haul in his debut Test in Adelaide, which included dismissing Steven Smith together with his first ball in Test cricket.

Joseph has solely performed two T20 matches in his quick profession, for Guyana Amazon Warriors in final yr’s CPL, and is but to take a wicket within the format. He has additionally performed simply two List A video games for Guyana within the Super50 Cup.

But Sammy, West Indies’ white-ball coach, was adamant Joseph could be an all-format star for his nation and will properly be vaulted into T20 World Cup calculations.

“He will definitely be an all-format player,” Sammy stated. “I can’t wait to get my hands on him in this squad. But look, everything has a process to it. That’s the way myself and the chairman of selectors operate. What he’s done is he’s created a really good headache for me with the World Cup coming up, building forward in the ODI team.

“We received different guys like Jayden Seales, who’s injured for the time being. So we’re growing a core in all codecs that permits us to choose from good positions, guys which are performing and that is what you need as a cricketing nation.”

Joseph was not initially selected in the white-ball squads for the three-match ODI series that starts at the MCG on Friday and the three-match T20I series that starts next Friday in Hobart.

He was instead set to play in the ILT20 before having to withdraw due to the toe injury he suffered during the Gabba Test. Sammy revealed that there had been conversations about keeping him in Australia and adding him to the limited-overs squads but he was keen to allow him to go home to recover and celebrate with his family.

“We experience the wave that is occurring there, however we cannot go loopy,” Sammy said. “If the man’s injured, let him go dwelling and relaxation. That’s most likely the primary time he is been away from dwelling for therefore lengthy. He’s received a younger household. So we perceive. Whatever we do is well-planned and well-thought-out.

“I think going home to his family, enjoying this moment is important. Because victories like that don’t come around all the time. It’s important that you enjoy these moments. Savour it so that it keeps you motivated to have more moments like that.”

Sammy was hopeful that Joseph’s efficiency would encourage his inexperienced ODI squad within the three-match sequence in opposition to Australia. “When somebody performs like that the team rises, and it was so good to watch. You see the smile on my face every time you go back to that and I just hope my men – whenever challenges come you can just remember that if you push through, there’s always gold at the end of the rainbow.”

CWI provides Joseph worldwide retainer contract

Meanwhile, Cricket West Indies has upgraded Joseph’s franchise contract to a global retainer contract. After the Gabba Test, Joseph had stated: “There will be times when T20 might come around and Test cricket will be there. But I will always be available to play for West Indies no matter how much money comes towards me.”

Chemar Holder, one other quick bowler, has been provided a franchise contract as West Indies “double-down on securing the best fast-bowling talent available”. Holder, who has performed one Test and one ODI for West Indies, is making a comeback from shoulder surgical procedure. In the current Super50 Cup, he picked up 4 wickets in 4 video games.

“As exhilarated as we are, it is also dutiful to elevate Shamar Joseph to a CWI international retainer contract,” Enoch Lewis, CWI director and chair of the cricket improvement and efficiency committee, stated. “His extraordinary talent and steadfast dedication serve as the cornerstone of our team’s recent triumph at the Gabba, and such promise merits its due recognition. Shamar has not just been rewarded with a retained contract, he has earned it.”

Miles Bascombe, the director of cricket, stated: “Shamar’s elevation to a CWI International retainer contract reflects his potential and the bright future ahead for West Indies cricket. We have also offered Chemar Holder a franchise contract as we double-down on securing the best fast-bowling talent available.”

WI’s worldwide retainers for 2023-24: Alick Athanaze, Kraigg Brathwaite, Keacy Carty, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd

Alex Malcolm is an affiliate editor at ESPNcricinfo