Fast bowler Akeem Jordan joins the West Indies cricket team to replace Jeremiah Louis, who is unable to play the final Test against England. It is a loss to the West Indies’ pace bowling department, but Jordan’s arrival is an exciting new addition to the team.
Jeremiah Louis was injured.
Due to a hamstring problem, Jeremiah Louis, initially named in the West Indies Test squad for the Test series against England, will not be able to participate in the last Test. The West Indies experienced this during the second Test at Trent Bridge, which was arguably the most challenging for them.
his factor is a major blow to the West Indies side, especially given that Louis missed the first two matches of the series. He did not play before those matches, despite the expectation that his inclusion would significantly strengthen the team’s bowling capacity.
Subsequently, the West Indies Cricket Board, commonly known as Cricket West Indies (CWI), has affirmed that Louis will remain with the team for rehabilitation.
We will closely monitor their recovery to see if he requires additional rehabilitation due to the injury. The decision to bring in Akeem Jordan as a replacement is part of the team’s policies geared toward ensuring a balanced side with a powerful bowling attack.
Akeem Jordan’s call-up
Akeem Jordan, a pure quick bowler, remains the direct replacement for Louis in the West Indies squad. It is surprising to see Jordan in the squad as he has not played the Test format, but the player has plenty of experience gained in his country and in international T20 and ODIs. Jordan was already involved in cricket in the UK when he received his call-up, easing his assimilation into the team.
Looking at Jordan‘s performance in first-class cricket, one would not doubt his ability. He has bowled 67 wickets in 19 first-class matches in 2022, and his average is 24.10. He took two wickets in one inning, and his best bowling performance was a 5 for 44. These figures demonstrate his potential as a skilled quick bowler, suggesting that he could be a valuable addition to the West Indies’ fast bowling squad.
Jordan is reportedly joining the squad to participate in the Wednesday training session at Edgbaston. This particular session will be crucial for him to familiarize himself with the team’s strategies and the conditions within the compound before the actual final test commences. His inclusion in the team comes at a time when the West Indies most likely need him to help change the fate of the current series.
West Indies’ Bowling Options
With the addition of Akeem Jordan, the West Indies team now has a couple of seam bowlers. The team already has Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales and this year’s all-rounder, Jason Holder. Each of these bowlers brings a unique skill set to the table:Each of these bowlers brings a unique skill set to the table:
- Alzarri Joseph: Despite having a bustling pace and jump, Joseph, who is a skilled fielder and wicket-taking option, falls into the pack of West Indies players. Owusu’s ability to draw speed and work rate from the ground is one aspect that he possesses.
- Shamar Joseph, an upcoming fast bowler, was also performing well in the domestic cricket competition. This would increase the strength of the pace bowling team by including him in the squad.
- Jayden Seales has excelled at providing a decent swing and control. He helps create penetration with his ability to take the ball forward and reverse, which is useful in English.
- Jason Holder is a cricketer who not only bowls, but is also known for his fast-bowling skills. He is a useful bowler and batsman, which are rare qualities for the West Indies.
These bowlers, alongside Jordan, will be important as the Windies try to create an upset in the final test. The team has struggled in this series, losing by significant margins at Lord’s and Trent Bridge. The West Indies have lost the Richards-Botham Trophy and will be hoping for a favorable showing in the last Test so they can at least finish strongly.
Series Context and Upcoming Test
The West Indies side has faced significant challenges in the current Test series against England. The West Indies’ performance in the first two Tests has been woeful, as they lost by a significant margin of innings and 114 at Lord’s and then suffered a bowling out at Trent Bridge. Such misfortunes have placed them 2-nil down in the series, and now there is only one Test match remaining.
The final test, slated to begin on Friday, July 26, offers the Caribbean side a favorable chance to come out and make a stand. However, despite being 2-0 down, the team can still perform well on the field and potentially win the match. Akeem Jordan could also be a boost to the Caribbean’s bowling force; his performance would be the key to shifting the odds in the Caribbean’s favor.
With the match at Edgbaston, where the home team will undoubtedly bring their A game, the West Indies will be under pressure. A new face in the team, with the right attitude, will keep the focus on how the team can counter England’s prowess and put on a good show.
Conclusion
The addition of Akeem Jordan to the West Indies team presents both a threat and an opportunity. Despite Jeremiah Louis’ injury being a disadvantage, Jordan’s inclusion offers the team both hope and potential. In addition to his latest performance in first-class cricket, the team is hopeful about the newcomer.
Thus, before the final Test match against England, fans of the West Indies will have to wait for Jordan and the rest of the team to demonstrate how they are capable of overcoming such challenges. This match at Edgbaston will be fateful for the team, and their outcomes might define whether the West Indies will be able to develop in Test cricket.