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Alzarri Joseph is a West Indian cricketer who has made a name for himself in the international cricket arena. Known for his right-arm fast bowling and aggressive batting, Joseph is a promising all-rounder who has displayed significant potential in his career so far. With his consistent performances on the field, he has gained a following among cricket fans worldwide.
Born on November 20, 1996, in Antigua, Alzarri Joseph was introduced to cricket at an early age by his father. He grew up idolising legendary cricketer Curtly Ambrose and honed his skills playing with friends and family members. Despite facing several hardships growing up, including the loss of his mother during a test match against England in early 2019, Joseph persevered and continued to pursue his passion for cricket.
Joseph's talent was noticed when he represented Antigua at the Under-15 level and later played for the Leeward Islands' Under-17 team. He then went on to make his first-class debut for the Leeward Islands during the 2014-15 Regional Four-Day Competition.
Joseph's rise to prominence began when he was named to the West Indies squad for the 2016 Under-19 World Cup held in Bangladesh. He impressed everyone with his pace and control, finishing as his team's leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets from six matches with an economy of 3.31 as they won the tournament.
Following this success, Joseph made both Test and ODI debuts later that year against India and Pakistan respectively. Despite making these debuts at just 19 years old, he displayed remarkable composure and skill, taking wickets in both formats.
In the years that followed, Joseph continued to make a name for himself with his performances in domestic cricket as well as for the West Indies. He was named in the Leeward Islands' squad for the 2019-20 Regional Super50 tournament and was later selected by Mumbai Indians as a replacement player for Adam Milne in the 2019 Indian Premier League season. Joseph made headlines during his IPL debut when he recorded figures of 6/12 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which remain the best-ever bowling figures by a debutant in IPL history.
Joseph's on-field role for West Indies is that of an all-rounder, where he predominantly bowls fast and aggressive spells while contributing valuable runs lower down the order. In Tests, he has taken 85 wickets from 29 matches at an average of 33.84, with a best innings analysis of 5/81 and a match-best of 7/111 against Afghanistan.
In ODIs, Joseph has taken 101 wickets from 61 matches at an average of 27.40 with a best innings analysis of 5/56 and a match-best of 5/56 against Australia. Joseph also played a crucial role in helping West Indies win their second T20 World Cup title in India in 2016 with his impressive bowling performances throughout the tournament.
Major Tournaments and Series
Alzarri Joseph's biggest moment on the international stage came in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, where he played a vital role in West Indies' championship-winning campaign. He took 13 wickets from six matches, including three for 39 in the final against India, which earned him the Man of the Match award.
Joseph has been a regular member of the West Indies squad across all formats since making his debut in 2016. He played a significant part in West Indies' successful run during the ICC World Twenty-Twenty tournament in 2016.
In Test cricket, Joseph has been impressive against strong opposition like England and Australia. He took five for 56 in just his second Test match against England at Headingley in August 2017, which helped West Indies to their first Test win against England since 2000.
The fast bowler also had a memorable Indian Premier League debut for Mumbai Indians when he recorded figures of six for twelve against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in April 2019. It remains one of the best bowling figures by any player in IPL history.
Alzarri Joseph is primarily known for his ability to bowl at a good pace. As a right-arm fast bowler, he generates bounce and swings off the pitch that can trouble even top batsmen around the world. His natural length is back-of-a-length or slightly fuller.
Joseph's batting style is aggressive as he likes to take on bowlers from ball one. Although he hasn't scored many runs, his contributions with the bat have been significant on several occasions.
As an all-rounder, his tactical awareness and adaptability are assets to any team he represents. Joseph has been known to come up with breakthroughs during crucial phases of the game.
Joseph is a humble and soft-spoken personality off the field. He is highly respected by his teammates and opponents alike for his dedication, commitment, and sportsmanship.
The Antiguan cricketer has been endorsed by various brands over the years, including Nike, Digicel, and WATA. However, he prefers not to make noise about it and instead focuses on improving his game.
In 2019 during a Test match against England at Gros Islet in St Lucia, Joseph received heartwarming applause from the crowd when he continued playing despite hearing news of his mother's demise earlier that day.
Alzarri Joseph's effectiveness on the field has been a sight to behold, and his influence on the sport is significant. His impressive pace and accuracy make him one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world. The young cricketer's impact on other players can be seen in their playing styles, with many trying to emulate his unique approach.
Joseph's ability to break cricketing records is second to none. He made history during his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians by taking 6/12, still the best bowling figures by a player on an IPL debut. This remarkable feat contributed significantly to Mumbai Indians' victory that day. He then became only the second player after Andrew Tye to take a five-wicket haul on his IPL debut.
Joseph also holds several records in T20 cricket, including having the best bowling figures of 6/12 in a T20 match at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium against Sunrisers Hyderabad during his IPL debut season.
The Antiguan cricketer has been an inspiration for future generations of players who aspire to be like him. He has shown how hard work, dedication and perseverance can help them achieve their dreams.
Alzarri Joseph has received many awards and accolades throughout his career, recognizing his outstanding performances both domestically and internationally. In 2016, he was named Antigua and Barbuda Sportsman of the Year.
He was part of the West Indies Under-19 team that won the Under19 Cricket World Cup in 2016, where he emerged as one of their leading wicket-takers with 13 wickets from six matches.
In early 2022, Joseph was bought by Gujarat Titans for INR 2.40 crores ahead of the IPL season 15 auction. His impressive form over IPL seasons earned him recognition as a formidable opponent among top batsmen.
From his debut to the present, Alzarri Joseph has shown that he is a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world. His bowling skills and impressive pace have left many opponents struggling to face him on the field.
Joseph's performances during major tournaments like IPL, World Cup, and T20Is, have cemented his position as one of the top fast bowlers in cricket today. His hardworking approach has also inspired others to follow his path. As he continues his journey in cricket, we can only expect more impressive performances from this young Antiguan cricketer.
FAQs
How many wickets has Alzarri Joseph taken in ODI cricket?
Alzarri Joseph has taken 101 wickets in ODI cricket.
What is Alzarri Joseph's bowling average in T20Is?
Alzarri Joseph's bowling average in T20Is is 16.36.
When did Alzarri Joseph debut in ODI cricket?
Alzarri Joseph debuted in ODI cricket on October 02, 2016, in Sharjah against West Indies.
What is Alzarri Joseph's highest score in the Test cricket format?
Alzarri Joseph's highest score in the Test cricket format is 86.
How many wickets has Alzarri Joseph taken in the Test cricket format?
Alzarri Joseph has taken 85 wickets in the Test cricket format.
