Shamar Joseph and Motie miss practice match

The arrival of West Indian fast bowler Shamar Joseph and spinner Gudakesh Motie in England for their upcoming Test series was postponed due to a cancelled flight as a result of Hurricane Beryl.

The pair missed the three-day warm-up match against the First Class Counties XI that began at Beckenham on Wednesday. Motie is expected to have landed in London later that day, while Joseph is expected to arrive on Friday. This means they should be available for the first Test that begins at Lord’s on July 10.

Shamar Joseph’s exploits in Australia

Shamar Joseph’s performance was crucial to West Indies’ success against Australia in January. His exceptional bowling in the Brisbane Test helped them draw the two-match series 1-1. He is expected to be a key player again for England, alongside Alzarri Joseph who will lead the pace attack following Kemar Roach’s recent injury.

Jayden Seales is likely to be the third seamer, given his impressive form in the second division of county cricket. Seales is currently the leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps in just six games, at an impressive average of 24.25 and two five-wicket hauls.

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Hodge shines on cold opening day

Despite the unusual summer weather at Beckenham, with overcast skies and strong winds, the West Indians put on a strong batting display. They chose to bat first and reached a commendable 339 runs on the opening day. Kavem Hodge, on his first tour of England, was the top scorer with a brilliant 112.

Alick Athanaze, Kirk McKenzie and Mikyle Louis also contributed with valuable half centuries and entertained the 1,200 spectators, including a significant number from the Caribbean.

Hodge dreams of Lord’s

Hodge, who has played only two Tests despite being 31, expressed his excitement about the potential of playing at Lord’s Cricket Ground, emphasising the dreamlike quality of playing at such a historic ground, something many young cricketers aspire to.

The West Indian batsman also believes the team’s character and fighting spirit, which they showed in their dramatic Gabba victory over Australia, will stand them in good stead in England.

“It (the Gabba win) has played a big part in the sense of belief we have as a team,” Hodge said. “We’ve proven to everyone that we believe and the hard work that the coaches and staff have put in.”

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