Finally, sense seems to have prevailed. The West Indies have added another fast bowler – 19-year-old Alzarri Joseph – to their squad for the second Test against India. Unfortunately, it took them an innings defeat to realise that you can't win a Test match with just two specialist bowlers.
The West Indies' 14-member squad for the second Test in Jamaica now at least looks as if it will be able to put up some fight against their formidable opponents. It now boasts of three specialist fast bowlers in Joseph, Miguel Cummins and Shannon Gabriel, along with the pace-bowling all-rounders Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite. The pitch at Sabina Park also had a lot of green on it two days before the match begins on Saturday, so does this mean that the Windies are planning to crank up the pace?
Joseph has only played eight first-class matches in his career, taking 24 wickets at an average of 24.45, so there is no guarantee he will make the cut. Miguel Cummins, who has more first-class experience (41 matches), stands a better chance of getting the nod. However, Joseph was in the West Indies' Under-19 World Cup-winning team in February. He took 13 wickets in the tournament at 13.76 and also bowled the fastest ball of the tournament, at 143kph, according to ESPNcricinfo.
However, it would be interesting to see who gets the axe if the West Indies pick one or two more bowlers in their XI. Rajendra Chandrika seems to be the most likely one after his no-show in Antigua and miserly first-class average of 25-odd. If the pitch is indeed a green top come Saturday, the hosts could even consider dropping spinner Devendra Bishoo and accommodate both the new fast bowlers.
It's a gamble, but it would give the West Indies their best shot at getting one back at India. That's not to say the Indians are going to fall over like nine pins if they are confronted with seam bowling on a grassy surface. Two of their most famous overseas victories – Perth 2008 and Lord's 2014 – have come in similar conditions against much stronger opponents.
West Indies squad for second Test
Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Rajendra Chandrika, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich (wicketkeeper), Carlos Brathwaite, Devendra Bishoo, Shannon Gabriel, Leon Johnson, Miguel Cummins, Alzarri Joseph.
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