In a dramatic turn of events during the third ODI between West Indies and England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph created headlines for all the wrong reasons after a heated disagreement with team captain Shai Hope. The incident, which unfolded in the early stages of England’s innings, saw Joseph leave the field mid-match—a rare and highly unusual moment in international cricket.
What Happened During the Third ODI Between West Indies and England?
The West Indies team was chasing a crucial series win against England, and the atmosphere at the Kensington Oval was electric. The tension escalated when Joseph, having bowled a brilliant first over, came on to bowl his second. England was struggling at 10/1, and it appeared as though the West Indies were in control.
However, after delivering the first ball of his second over to Jordan Cox, Alzarri Joseph appeared visibly frustrated. His disagreement with Shai Hope centered around the placement of the slip fielders, a key tactical discussion that often happens between bowlers and captains. Joseph, standing at the end of his follow-through, seemed to argue with Hope, expressing his dissatisfaction with the field settings.
The Unusual Moment: Joseph Leaves the Field
Despite having just dismissed Cox with a brilliant short-of-a-length delivery caught behind by Hope, Joseph’s anger was palpable. His lack of celebration after the wicket was a clear indication that something was amiss. As the over came to a close, Joseph walked off the field, visibly upset, leaving his teammates and supporters in shock.
Efforts to calm Joseph down came from Darren Sammy, former West Indies captain and current head coach, who tried to intervene from the boundary ropes. However, Joseph, determined to have his say, walked up the stairs to the dressing room, leaving the team in a state of disarray.
The West Indies Response: A Strong Comeback
Despite the brief disruption caused by Joseph’s departure, the West Indies continued to dominate proceedings. Hayden Walsh Jr. took over as the substitute fielder, and within a few overs, the West Indies had reduced England to 24/4, putting the visitors on the back foot. The early breakthroughs were pivotal, with Joseph’s initial over (before his walk-off) playing a key role in unsettling the England batsmen.
England fought back with a resilient 70-run partnership between Phil Salt (74) and Sam Curran (40), followed by another solid stand between Salt and Dan Mousley (57), which brought the score to a respectable 263/8 in 50 overs. However, the damage was already done, with the West Indies bowlers setting the tone early on.
West Indies’ Impressive Chase: King and Carty’s Masterclass
Chasing 264 runs for victory, West Indies showed remarkable composure and skill. Openers Brandon King (109) and Keacy Carty (128 not out) put on a stunning display of batting, both scoring centuries and steering the team to a dominant victory with eight wickets in hand. The pair’s partnership was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as they guided the team to a successful chase in just 43 overs, clinching the series 2-1.
Key Takeaways from the West Indies vs England Third ODI
- Alzarri Joseph’s Disagreement: The incident between Joseph and Shai Hope highlighted the intensity of competition and the pressures that come with leadership. While disagreements on the field are not uncommon, Joseph’s reaction was an extraordinary one. His return to the field after a brief walk-off showed the resilience of both the player and the team.
- West Indies’ Strong Bowling Attack: Despite the brief disruption, the West Indies bowlers, including Joseph, maintained pressure throughout the early stages, dismissing key English batsmen cheaply. This initial success set the tone for the entire match.
- England’s Fightback: Despite the early collapse, England’s middle-order batsmen, including Salt and Mousley, showed great grit and determination to put together competitive partnerships, taking the team to a respectable total. However, their efforts fell short against a clinical West Indies chase.
- Brandon King and Keacy Carty’s Brilliant Chases: The partnership between King and Carty was the highlight of the match, as both batsmen played with exceptional flair and composure to seal the victory for West Indies.
Conclusion: West Indies Clinch ODI Series 2-1
In the end, West Indies emerged victorious in the third ODI, clinching the series 2-1 against England. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by on-field tension, a rare player walk-off, and a brilliant performance by the West Indies batting and bowling units. Alzarri Joseph’s brief moment of frustration and his eventual return to the field proved to be a minor blip in what was an otherwise successful outing for the team. The victory was a testament to the West Indies’ depth and resilience, both on and off the field.
For England, it was a match of missed opportunities, but their fightback with the bat showed their ability to bounce back from challenging situations. Both teams, however, can take away valuable lessons from the encounter, making it a memorable chapter in the cricketing rivalry between West Indies and England.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Alzarri Joseph leave the field during the third ODI?
Joseph left the field after an on-field disagreement with his captain, Shai Hope, regarding the placement of slip fielders. His frustration led him to walk off the field, but he returned shortly after.
2. What was the final result of the West Indies vs England 3rd ODI?
West Indies defeated England by 8 wickets, successfully chasing down the target of 264 runs in 43 overs, with both Brandon King and Keacy Carty scoring centuries.
3. Who was the standout performer in the West Indies team?
The standout performers in the West Indies team were Brandon King, who scored 109 runs, and Keacy Carty, who remained not out on 128 runs, both of whom played key roles in securing the victory.
4. How did England respond to the early collapse?
England fought back with a solid partnership between Phil Salt (74) and Dan Mousley (57), which helped them reach a total of 263/8 in 50 overs.
