Joseph Describes Ongoing Country Stint As Different, But Helpful

0
44
The 24-year-old Joseph left Antigua on April 4 for the United Kingdom with the understanding that he would be available for the first seven fixtures in the County Championships.
- Advertisement -

By Neto Baptiste

West Indies and Antiguan fast bowler, Alzarri Joseph, has described his maiden stint with English cricket club Worcestershire in the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) County Championship thus far as different, but adds that he has learned much since joining the team in April this year.

In an interview with Observer media Joseph, who has claimed eight wickets in five matches at an average of 45.75 since the start of the County Championship, said he has had to adjust fairly quickly to conditions in England.

“I wouldn’t say it’s been the best or that I am extremely satisfied, but it’s improving as I go along. It’s a lot different to the Caribbean, it’s different conditions in terms of different grounds, different types of surfaces and different types of players, so it’s also about adjusting to everything at once. It’s helping me to improve as a player in terms of adjusting to situations a bit quicker,” he said.

The player has also amassed 111 runs in four matches for Worcestershire with a highest of 61.

The 24-year-old Joseph left Antigua on April 4 for the United Kingdom with the understanding that he would be available for the first seven fixtures in the County Championships.

The Leeward Islands player said that since arriving in the UK, coping with the regular freezing conditions has been his biggest challenge.

“Some days you turn up and it’s like three degrees and very cold in the mornings and then it goes from three to 12 degrees, to 15 and then back down to three. So it’s just really difficult sometimes, but it’s all part of the job; all part of the learning experience,” he said. 

Joseph, who is one of four Antiguan players given central contracts for 2021-2022 by Cricket West Indies (CWI), said his only aim is to keep getting better with every match.

“Basically, for me, it’s just about improving on myself and my game every year, so no expectations. It’s all about putting in good performances for me and improving as a cricketer year after year,” the player said. 

Joseph received a white ball (ODI) contract while spinner Hayden Walsh Jr was also rewarded with a white ball contract. Rahkeem Cornwall received a red ball (Test) contract with women’s player Shawnisha Hector given a central contract as well. 

- Advertisement -