Playing at home is always something special for Alzarri Joseph and the upcoming Sandals Test Series against Sri Lanka will be something extra-special.
The 24-year-old is eagerly looking forward to the matches which will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, starting on Sunday.
He told CWI Media he feels in good rhythm and is keen to back up the amazing performances on the recent Test triumph in Bangladesh. Joseph starred with bat and ball on that tour to further press his claims for all-rounder status, and sees the upcoming series as a chance to continue that development.
“It’s always something special to represent the West Indies but playing at home in comfortable conditions, it’s always a good thing to represent the West Indies in your backyard,” he said
. “You always get a good surface. It’s even play for bat and ball … so it’s always a good contest here at the Sir Vivian Richards (stadium) It looks a good surface but you always have a good wicket here.”
Joseph made 82 in the second Test in Dhaka helped lay the foundation for West Indies’ sensational 17-run victory on the fourth day, which clinched the series 2-0. Last December he made 86 in the second Test at Hamilton to showcase an awesome array of shots.
“I like the way my batting is coming along. It’s something I always worked at. It was always down to me and probably my shot selection but whatever I can contribute to the team at any point in time, I’m always happy to do so.
I felt a good rhythm [in my bowling] for the last two ODI games, not so much for the first one but for the last two I felt really good. I think my rhythm is really coming along and I think I have a big part to play in these Test matches,” he said.
Joseph has so far played in one Test match on home soil. That was against England back in 2019 when he took two wickets in each innings to help inspire the West Indies to an emphatic 10-wicket win and claim the prestigious Wisden trophy.