Shamar Joseph has created good headache for me with World Cup coming up: Daren Sammy

Shamar-Joseph. (Photo Source: Twitter)

With recent developments, West Indies Test sensation Shamar Joseph is poised to shake up the T20 World Cup considerations, catching the attention of coach Daren Sammy. Joseph’s stellar performance, claiming seven for 68 in the historic Test victory over Australia at the Gabba has left Sammy with a selection dilemma.

Despite limited exposure to T20 cricket, having played only two matches without a wicket to his name, Joseph’s Test heroics have thrust him into the spotlight for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Sammy, the West Indies’ white-ball coach, expressed confidence in Joseph’s potential, envisioning him as an all-format player.

“He will definitely be an all-format player. I can’t wait to get my hands on him in this squad. But look, everything has a process to it. That’s the way myself, and the chairman of selectors operate. What he’s done, he’s created a really good headache for me with the World Cup coming up, building forward in the ODI team,” he said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.

“We got other guys like Jayden Seales, who’s injured at the moment. So we’re developing a core in all formats that enables us to pick from good positions, guys that are performing and that’s what you want as a cricketing nation,” he added.

While not initially included in the white-ball squads for the ODI and T20 series against Australia, Joseph’s outstanding performance led to discussions about his potential inclusion. However, the young cricketer opted to return home to recover from a toe injury sustained during the Gabba Test, celebrating his success with his family.

Sammy emphasized the significance of letting Joseph savor his triumph, noting that such victories are rare. He stressed the importance of enjoying these moments, suggesting that relishing success serves as motivation for future accomplishments.

“We ride the wave that’s happening there, but we won’t go crazy. If the guy’s injured, let him go home and rest. That’s probably the first time he’s been away from home for so long. He’s got a young family. So we understand. Whatever we do is well-planned and well thought out,” Sammy said.

“I think going home to his family, enjoying this moment is important. Because victories like that don’t come around all the time. It’s important that you enjoy these moments. Savour it so that it keeps you motivated to have more moments like that,” he added.

If you push through, there’s always gold at the end of the rainbow: Sammy

Despite missing out on the limited-overs series against Australia, Joseph is set to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Peshawar Zalmi. Sammy remains optimistic that Joseph’s extraordinary performance will inspire the inexperienced ODI squad in their upcoming matches against Australia.

“When somebody performs like that the team rises, and it was so good to watch. You see the smile on my face every time you go back to that and I just hope my men – whenever challenges come you can just remember that if you push through, there’s always gold at the end of the rainbow,” Sammy concluded.