Alzarri looking to make most of IPL stint
West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph arrived in India on Thursday, where he will suit up for the Mumbai Indians in the ongoing Indian Premier League tournament.
The lively, energetic speedster from Antigua, was not in the original squad by got a call-up to the Mumbai camp after the squad was hit by injuries. He is a direct replacement for Adam Milne of New Zealand and will share the dressing room with experienced allrounder Kieron Pollard and stroke-maker Evin Lewis
Joseph was a member of the West Indies team which recently beat England 2-1 in the Wisden Trophy Test Series. He played all three matches and took 10 wickets including a superb spell of 2-12 in the second innings of the second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, to help win the match and seal the series.
“This is my first time in the IPL and I want to make the most of this opportunity. I’m in good form with the ball following the Test series against England and them with the Leewards in the four-day tournament, so I’m feeling confident and ready,” Joseph said after arriving in Mumbai.
“For me, it’s learning… trying to learn new things about the art of bowling in T20 cricket and adjusting to the various conditions. We have some great players in the MI squad and legends around the team as well, so I will look to soak up the atmosphere, improve my overall game and contribute to the team when called upon.”
Joseph burst onto the scene during the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016 with his ability to bowl fast. He picked up 13 wickets from six matches, including three in the final against India, helping his side win the trophy. Joseph has played seven T20 games so far and has nine wickets to his name with a best of 4-41 and a strike rate of 17.
Mumbai Indians had their second match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru on Thursdaywhich they won by six runs. The former champions began their campaign this season with a 37-run defeat at the hands of the Delhi Capitals at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Sunday.