West Indian fast bowler Alzarri Joseph suspended after on-field altercation with his captain

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AP) — Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been banned for two matches by Cricket West Indies for his very public disagreement with captain Shai Hope over field placements during a one-day international against England.

While West Indies were bowling in Wednesday’s match on the Caribbean side won by eight wickets To clinch the three-match series, Joseph left the field in a notable protest against the pitch laid by Hope during one of the fast bowler’s overs.

Joseph and Hope had a lengthy argument before the fourth, over which Joseph was bowled and had to be urged by the umpires to resume play. After a ball was cleared for offside during the over, Joseph protested angrily to Hope and when the over ended, he walked off the field and returned after a short break.

On Thursday, Cricket West Indies said in a statement that Joseph’s conduct did not meet the CWI’s “standards of professionalism”.

“Alzarri’s conduct was not consistent with the core values ​​that Cricket West Indies upholds. Such behavior cannot be overlooked and we have taken decisive action to ensure the gravity of the situation is fully recognised,” said CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe.

Joseph also apologized.

“I recognize that my passion has gotten the best of me,” Joseph said in the CWI statement. “I have personally apologized to captain Shai Hope and my teammates and management. I also sincerely apologize to the West Indies fans – I understand that even a brief error of judgment can have a far-reaching impact, and I deeply regret any disappointment caused.

With the one-day series now complete, England and West Indies will meet in a five-match Twenty20 series, starting on Saturday at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.

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