Cricket West Indies has confirmed that Alzarri Joseph will not participate in the upcoming two-match Test series in India owing to a recurrence of a lower-back injury.

Medical scans revealed degeneration in a previously healed lower-back issue, forcing Joseph to be withdrawn from the squad.

In the wake of his absence, Jason Holder was approached as a possible replacement. However, Holder declined the offer due to a planned medical procedure already scheduled.

To fill the void, Jediah Blades, who has limited-overs international experience, has been drafted into the squad.

This development is a significant blow to the West Indies’ pace attack as they travel to India. The Test series is due to start on October 2 in Ahmedabad, marking West Indies’ first full Test tour of India in seven years.