Daren Sammy confirms Alzarri Joseph declined Pakistan Test selection, calls absence a 'big loss'

St. John's [Antigua and Barbuda], July 24 (ANI): West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has confirmed that pace spearhead Alzarri Joseph declined selection for the upcoming two-match ICC World Test Championship series against Pakistan, describing the fast bowler's absence as a significant setback ahead of the home assignment.

Cricket West Indies had earlier stated that Joseph was unavailable for selection due to "personal reasons" when naming the 15-member squad, but Sammy clarified on Friday that the 29-year-old had opted out after being picked.

"Yeah, it is a big loss. Mr Joseph has declined selection. That's the reality of the situation," Sammy said during a press conference ahead of the opening Test at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, according to Cricinfo.

"He was selected. I mean, he's now coming from injury. And for reasons since, he has declined the selection," he added.

Joseph's decision comes despite the pacer returning to action recently after injury. He featured in both Tests against Sri Lanka in June-July, taking six wickets across the two matches, before producing a match-winning spell of 4 for 41 in the opening ODI against New Zealand during the subsequent five-match series.

Sammy, however, said the matter was beyond the coaching staff and would be handled by Cricket West Indies.

"That is a decision that is way over my head," Sammy said. "I leave that with the directors to come up with whatever solutions where contracted players get to decline selection."

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