Shamar fired up for WI return
Shamar Joseph is delighted to be back in West Indies colours as he makes a welcomed return from injury.
The fiery fast bowler was named in the squad for the upcoming three T20 Internationals against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates starting next week. The squad will assemble in New York before travelling to Dubai tomorrow.
“It feels really good to be back, especially after the recovery and rehabilitation period,” Joseph told Guyana News Room in Georgetown after the squad was announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Monday.
“I went to Bangladesh and didn’t get a chance to play there in that series. There was a lot of therapy in England . . . . It was quite hard, but I’m happy to be back here and ready to play again.”
The 26-year-old was given the green light to restart his career after recovery from a major shoulder injury which was diagnosed ahead of the West Indies tour of India. He last played during the Caribbean Premier League final for Guyana Amazon Warriors against Trinbago Knight Riders in the final at the end of September.
He missed the subsequent trips – a white ball series in Bangladesh and an all-format tour of New Zealand – where he was expected to feature in all three formats.
According to CWI, he has been on a “back-to-bowling” programme managed by Ryan Hercules, head coach of the Guyana Harpy Eagles.
“It’s never a great feeling being off the field, but I handled it well. I received really good support, right here in Guyana, especially from coach Ryan. He was always messaging me to get updates on my progress and how things were coming along, so it’s good to be working with him on the road to recovery,” Joseph said.
“Everything takes time and there is a clear process and outline to follow, so I’m taking it one day at a time to build myself again, because I don’t just want to rush [back] into the game. There are tournaments coming up and I’m working towards being ready to represent the West Indies again.”
The squad selected for the five-day trip includes several seam bowlers. The others are: Jayden Seales, Matthew Forde, Shamar Springer, Justin Greaves, and Ramon Simmonds, who has also recovered from injury.
FULL SQUAD
Brandon King (captain), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Shamar Springer, Shimron Hetmyer
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