ENG vs WI: Akeem Jordan replaces injured Jeremiah Louis for third Test

Akeem Jordan. (Photo Source: West Indies Cricket)

West Indies pacer Jeremiah Loius has been ruled out of the final Test against England at Edgbaston, which is scheduled to begin on July 26. The 28-year-old did not feature in the first two Test matches as the visitors backed on the services of Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph. However, during practice, Louis picked up a hamstring injury, which ruled him out of the final Test.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced Akeem Jordan as Louis’ replacement. He was already in the United Kingdom and it was easy for the team management to call him up for the series. The 29-year-old has already joined the squad in Edgbaston but it is unlikely for him to make it to the playing XI.

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Jordan has featured in 19 first-class matches and two ODIs but is yet to make his Test debut. He has picked up 67 FC matches since 2022 and picked up 67 wickets at an average of 24.10. 

Meanwhile, West Indies are 2-0 down in the three-match series. The Kraigg Brathwaite-led side lost the Lord’s Test by an innings and 114 runs and suffered a 241-run defeat at Trent Bridge. However, they showed a lot of character with the bat in the second Test, which is a positive side. Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge were incredible with the bat as they hit 82 and 120 runs respectively but West Indies blew the lead in the second innings of the match.

However, there’s optimism in the camp, which is a positive sign. West Indies can cause an upset but the players need to be more consistent. The bowlers have struggled and that is one area that is another area that they need to improve. England meanwhile will have to do what they have done so far and put pressure on the visitors by playing an aggressive brand of cricket.