Alzarri Joseph

Alzarri Joseph: The Rising Star of West Indies Cricket

Alzarri Shaheim Joseph, born on 20 November 1996, is an Antiguan cricketer who represents the West Indies in all three formats of the game. Known for his right-arm fast bowling and right-handed batting, he has become one of the most promising fast bowlers in modern cricket. Joseph has been a key player for various domestic and franchise teams, including the Leeward Islands, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Kings, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Joburg Super Kings.

Quick Profile & Career Overview

Category	Details
Full Name	Alzarri Shaheim Joseph
Date of Birth	20 November 1996
Age	28
Birthplace	Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda
Height	6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Batting Style	Right-handed
Bowling Style	Right-arm fast
Role	Bowler
National Side	West Indies (2016–present)
Teams	Leeward Islands, Mumbai Indians, St Lucia Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans, Joburg Super Kings
Test Debut	9 August 2016 vs India
ODI Debut	2 October 2016 vs Pakistan
T20I Debut	29 July 2022 vs India

Early Life and Background

Alzarri Joseph was born on 20 November 1996 in Antigua, part of Antigua and Barbuda. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, his height adds to his intimidating presence as a fast bowler. Known for his raw pace and ability to bowl consistently over 140 km/h, Joseph quickly became a prominent figure in West Indies cricket. Joseph began his journey in cricket at a young age and gained recognition for his natural talent and ability to bowl consistently fast. He made his way through the West Indies Under-19 setup and soon became a household name.

Domestic and Franchise Career

Leeward Islands and First-Class Cricket

Alzarri Joseph made his first-class debut for the Leeward Islands in the 2014–15 Regional Four Day Competition. During the following season, he achieved his first five-wicket haul (5/99) against Guyana, followed by another impressive 7/46 against the Windward Islands. These performances showcased his potential as a strike bowler for the West Indies.

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling	Bowling Average
First-Class	68	212	7/46	29.54
List A	68	111	5/56	28.45
T20	29	48	5/40	19.33

Indian Premier League (IPL) Career

Mumbai Indians (2019)

In March 2019, Alzarri Joseph joined the Mumbai Indians as a replacement for Adam Milne. On 6 April 2019, he made his IPL debut against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and delivered a record-breaking spell of 6/12, which remains the best bowling figures in IPL history. His remarkable debut overshadowed Andrew Tye’s 5/17 and the previous record of 6/14 by Sohail Tanvir.

Team	Season	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling
Mumbai Indians	2019	3	6	6/12
Gujarat Titans	2022-2023	15	18	4/20
Royal Challengers Bangalore	2024	10	14	3/28
Joburg Super Kings	2023	8	10	3/22

Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Other Leagues

Joseph has played for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Kings, and Fortune Barishal in various domestic and franchise leagues. His consistent performances in the CPL have earned him accolades, including being named in the CPL Best XI of 2022.

International Career

Test Cricket

Alzarri Joseph made his Test debut against India on 9 August 2016. His best performance came against England in 2020, where he scored his maiden Test fifty (86 runs) and picked up 5 wickets for 81 runs. His ability to bowl long spells makes him an essential part of the West Indies Test squad.

Opponent	Matches	Wickets	Best Bowling
India	7	14	5/81
England	10	24	4/76
New Zealand	5	13	3/56

One Day Internationals (ODI)

Joseph made his ODI debut against Pakistan on 2 October 2016. In 2023, he reached the 100-wicket milestone in ODIs, becoming one of the fastest West Indian bowlers to do so. His best ODI bowling performance was 5/56 against India.

T20 Internationals (T20I)

Joseph debuted in T20Is against India on 29 July 2022. He claimed his maiden T20I five-wicket haul (5/40) against South Africa in March 2023, which was crucial in securing a 7-run victory.

Playing Style and Skills

Alzarri Joseph is known for his:

• Express Pace: Frequently clocks over 145 km/h.
• Deadly Bouncers: Poses a threat to batsmen with his short-pitched deliveries.
• Swing and Seam: Skilled at moving the ball both ways.
• Aggressive Intent: Relentlessly attacks the stumps and body.
• Lower-Order Hitting: Can contribute useful runs with the bat.

Achievements and Milestones

• Best Bowling Figures in IPL: 6/12 for Mumbai Indians.
• Fastest West Indian to 100 ODI Wickets.
• CPL Best XI of 2022.
• ICC Men's ODI Team of 2020 by Cricinfo.
• Sportsman of the Year (2016) in Antigua and Barbuda.

Personal Life and Challenges

Despite facing a tragic personal loss during a Test match against England in 2019, Alzarri Joseph displayed exceptional mental strength by continuing to play. His dedication and resilience made him a fan favorite and a role model for young cricketers.

Controversies

In November 2024, Joseph faced a two-match ban for arguing with captain Shai Hope and leaving the field twice. He apologized publicly, acknowledging that his passion got the best of him.

Future Prospects

Alzarri Joseph continues to be a key fast bowler for the West Indies and is a valuable asset for franchise cricket worldwide. His ability to adapt to various conditions makes him a formidable opponent in all formats. As he matures as a cricketer, he is expected to lead the West Indies pace attack and continue breaking records. Alzarri Joseph’s journey from a young, ambitious fast bowler to becoming one of the most feared pacers in international cricket is nothing short of remarkable. His dedication, passion, and skills make him an integral part of the West Indies cricket team. With his talent and consistent performances, Joseph is poised to be a leading figure in fast bowling for years to come.