Daren Sammy Calls Out Alzarri Joseph's "Unacceptable" Behavior During ODI Against England
who appeared upset over a disagreement with captain Shai Hope on field placements, did not celebrate with teammates after dismissing England’s Jordan Cox and left the field immediately afterward without notice.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy expressed frustration with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph after a public display of discontent during the third ODI against England in Bridgetown. Joseph, who appeared upset over a disagreement with captain Shai Hope on field placements, did not celebrate with teammates after dismissing England’s Jordan Cox and left the field immediately afterward without notice. This unexpected exit in the fourth over left West Indies fielding with only ten players at the beginning of the fifth over, causing confusion among players and fans.
Sammy, in a post-match interview with TalkSPORT, openly criticized Joseph’s behavior, calling it "unacceptable" within the team culture he is working to foster. Since assuming the head coach role in May 2023, Sammy has been committed to building a positive and cohesive environment within West Indies cricket, focusing on clear communication and unity among players. “We will be friends…but in the culture I’m trying to build, that’s unacceptable,” Sammy remarked, adding that he plans to have a conversation with Joseph about the incident.
Although Joseph returned briefly in the sixth over, his apparent frustration lingered. After two misfields that resulted in overthrows, he again left the field but returned to bowl later, ending the match with respectable figures of 2 for 45. However, his visible discontent overshadowed an otherwise solid performance.
Despite the incident, West Indies clinched the ODI series 2-1 against England, showcasing the team’s resilience. As they now prepare for the upcoming T20 series, Sammy hinted at the return of key players, including Nicholas Pooran and Akeal Hosein, adding strength to an already successful T20 lineup. “Our T20 team is our most successful team and our most settled team,” Sammy said, expressing optimism about the squad's readiness.
Sammy, known for his strong player-management skills, believes in having "difficult conversations" when necessary to maintain team integrity and focus, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a constructive atmosphere within West Indies cricket.
