Injured Shamar Joseph out of India Tests; Johann Layne called up

Guyanese fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who had earned a spot in the West Indies’ 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against India from October 2 to 14, has been ruled out due to injury. The tests are set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
In Joseph’s absence, right-arm fast-medium pacer Johann Layne of Barbados has been called up as his replacement. Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed the change in a tweet, noting that Joseph will be re-evaluated ahead of the white-ball series in Bangladesh, though the nature of his injury was not disclosed.

Following the India Tests, the West Indies will travel to Bangladesh to play three ODIs from October 18, followed by three T20Is from October 27 to November 1. The busy season continues with an all-format tour of New Zealand, comprising five T20Is, three ODIs, and three tests. Currently, the West Indies are in the UAE for three T20Is against Nepal starting September 27.
Joseph has played 11 Tests, taking 51 wickets at an average of 21.66, including a memorable five-wicket haul on debut against Australia in January 2024.
Twenty-two-year-old Layne has featured in 19 first-class matches, claiming 66 wickets at an average of 22.28 while scoring 495 runs at 19.03. His red-ball record includes four five-wicket hauls and three four-wicket hauls in 34 innings. In June, Layne played two four-day matches for West Indies A against the touring South Africa A side, scoring 62 runs in four innings, with a best of 34, and taking one wicket in each of the three innings he bowled.
Layne’s standout performance came for West Indies Academy in the last domestic first-class competition, where he ended with a six-wicket haul against Windward Islands. He finished the tournament with 27 wickets in six matches at an impressive average of 15.88, including two five-wicket hauls and two four-wicket hauls.
Layne will join a pace attack comprising Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip, supported by all-rounder Justin Greaves. Spin options will include Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, and captain Roston Chase.
Updated West Indies Test Squad for India Series:
Roston Chase (capt.), Jomel Warrican (vice-capt.), Kevlon Anderson, Alick Athanaze, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Tevin Imlach, Johann Layne, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.

Schedule:
1st Test: 2-6 October, 2025 @ Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
2nd Test: 10-14 October, 2025 @ Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi