Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie miss West Indies’ tour game after flight from Guyana cancelled due to Hurricane Beryl

Shamar-Joseph. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Shamar Joseph and Gudakesh Motie were set to link up with the West Indies squad in England ahead of their three-day tour match against First Class Counties XI in Beckenham, starting Wednesday, July 3. However, they couldn’t make it in time after their flights from Guyana got canceled due to Hurricane Beryl.

The Caribbean islands have been reeling from the effects of Hurricane Beryl in the past few days. As a result, several airports have been temporarily shut down. It is understood that Motie landed in London late on Wednesday, while Shamar will arrive on Friday. This means they will be available for selection for the first Test, which starts at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 10.

Shamar, who burst onto the scene in his debut series in Australia earlier this year, will be one of the key players in the West Indies lineup against the Three Lions. In two games against Pat Cummins’ men, the right-arm pacer took 13 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. Shamar will enjoy bowling on the helpful England surfaces. After the experienced Kemar Roach recently pulled out of the tour due to injury, West Indies’ fast-bowling department will be led by Alzarri Joseph and he is expected to form a troika with youngsters Shamar and Jaydon Seales.

Meanwhile, Motie has been impressive in whichever format he has played in recent times. In nine Tests, the left-arm spinner has accounted for 22 wickets at an average of 20.86. He could be the sole spinner in West Indies’ playing XI during the three-match Test series.

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Where do West Indies and England stand in the WTC points table?

Kraigg Brathwaite and Co. are currently placed at No. 6 on the World Test Championship points table for the 2023-2025 cycle. They have one win, two losses, and one draw from four games. The Caribbean side have 33.33 percentage points.

Also Read: Reports: Jamie Smith to make Test debut for England against West Indies

Meanwhile, England are languishing at No. 9 after winning three, losing six, and drawing one out of 10 games. They have 17.50 percentage points and will be desperate to move up the table with a solid performance against the Windies.