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In Alzarri Joseph, West Indies find new pace hope
GROS ISLET, ST LUCIA: It was not a question of if but when. Alzarri Joseph, a scrawny but tall kid, joined the big boys’ club last Test to fuel anticipation that
GROS ISLET, ST LUCIA: It was not a question of if but when. Alzarri Joseph, a scrawny but tall kid, joined the big boys’ club last Test to fuel anticipation that he could be unleashed on a pacy pitch at Sabina Park. Thrust into the cameras, asked to pose at the Michael Holding end, Joseph looked out of league, even a tad nervous. Gros Islet is far removed from the media glare, unlike Kingston. On a bouncy pitch and after an inspiring draw, West Indies deemed it ideal for Joseph to make his debut. The time between Kingston and here was used to help Joseph familiarise himself with the team.
“You had to integrate him in the side. It takes time. It’s a big step coming from under-19 to Test cricket. He came in the second Test and selectors felt he was ready and we felt that with this pitch, with a little bit more bounce and pace in it, it was a good time to release him,” West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick said after play on Wednesday. “It’s only his first day in Test cricket. But I am sure he would be happy with it and he can build on that.”
RAW PACE
At 19, a pacer just wants to run in hard and bowl quick. Joseph was eager to get started early. When he was finally given the chance — handed the cap by the great Joel Garner — Joseph unleashed a spell that lived up to his billing. In only his first over of international cricket, Joseph pitched the ball up. Real proof of his aggression though came in the next over. To make the India captain almost lose his balance with the first ball he faced is no easy task. Any other bowler would have basked in his glory, maybe even given a long hard stare at Kohli. Joseph turned around and headed back to his mark.
When he returned in the next over though, Kohli had no answer for his bounce. What seemed a simple catch at first slip had so much going for Joseph --- pace, aim and the urge to test a batsman on top of his game. Turned out Kohli wasn’t as prepared for Joseph as he should have been. Rohit Sharma’s wicket, however, gave a better appraisal of Joseph.
He had never shied away from pitching it up. This time he used the angle of his delivery so well Sharma was stuck in his crease. By taking wickets with both the new and old ball, he showed good control.
