On Wednesday, July 3, Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie were scheduled to reunite with the West Indies team in England prior to their three-day tour match against the First Class Counties XI in Beckenham. But after Hurricane Beryl forced the cancellation of their flights from Guyana, they were unable to arrive in time.
Hurricane Beryl’s aftermath has left the Caribbean islands reeling for the previous few days. Consequently, a number of airports have been temporarily closed. This indicates that they will be eligible for selection for the first Test, which begins on July 10 at the storied Lord’s Cricket Ground.
It is believed that Shamar Joseph will arrive in London on Friday, whereas Gudakesh Motie arrived late on Wednesday.
One of the main performers in the West Indies lineup against the Three Lions will be Shamar, who made waves in his maiden series in Australia earlier this year. The right-arm pacer claimed 13 wickets in two matches against the team of Pat Cummins, including two five-wicket hauls. Shamar is going to love bowling on the supportive surfaces in England. Alzarri Joseph will take charge of West Indies’ fast-bowling department after the seasoned Kemar Roach withdrew from the tour due to injury. He is anticipated to form a troika with youthful players Shamar and Jaydon Seales.
In the meantime, Gudakesh Motie has performed admirably in every format he has recently used. The left-arm spinner has claimed 22 wickets at an average of 20.86 in nine Test matches. Throughout the three Test matches, he might be the only spinner in the West Indies playing eleven.
In the WTC points standings, where are England and the West Indies positioned?
Currently ranked sixth in the World Test Championship points standings for the 2023–2025 cycle is Kraigg Brathwaite and Company. Out of four games, they have one win, two losses, and one tie. There are 33.33 percentage points on the Caribbean side.
Despite winning three, losing six, and drawing one of their ten games, England is mired at No. 9. With a strong showing against the Windies, they will be motivated to climb the table with their 17.50 percentage points.
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