IPL 2019: Alzarri Joseph to replace Adam Milne in Mumbai Indians squad

Alzarri Joseph, the West Indies pacer, will replace New Zealand’s Adam Milne in the Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2019 after the Kiwi pacer was ruled due to a heel injury. In a statement released by the IPL, it said, “Mumbai Indians have picked Alzarri Joseph as a replacement for the injured fast bowler Adam Milne for the VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019. Joseph has featured in nine Tests and 16 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for the West Indies so far. This will be his first appearance in the tournament.” Joseph’s addition will be a welcome boost for Mumbai Indians, who will welcome back Lasith Malinga after he made himself available for the remainder of the IPL after the Sri Lankan Cricket Board gave him permission to skip the Super Provincial One-Day tournament which was held for World Cup selection.

Mumbai Indians lost their opening game against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede stadium and they will be determined to bounce back against Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday.

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Joseph played a small but vital part when West Indies ended 10 years of pain to win a series against England. Joseph took four wickets in the second Test match at the Sir Vivian Richards Ground in Antigua as Jason Holder’s side won the Test match by 10 wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead and regain the Wisden Trophy. However, despite the historic feat, the celebrations from the 22-yeard old in front of his home fans was muted. Just before the start of day 3, news came through that Joseph’s mother Sharon had died after a long battle with illness. Despite the tragedy, Joseph decided to play.

Before play again, players work black armbands and Joseph chipped in with seven runs batting at No.10 as West Indies managed to take a 119-run lead. Joseph had impressed everyone with his pace and control in the first innings as he accounted for Joe Root and Joe Denly after England were bowled out for 187. In the second innings, in a hostile seven-over spell, Joseph regularly crossed over 90 mph.

In the second innings, Joseph accounted for Root with a vicious in-ducker that cut the England skipper in half. There was an appeal for a catch but the umpire did not give it. The review was taken and Real Time Snicko showed a spike and Root was dismissed for 7. Joseph then got rid of Denly with a good length ball that nipped back in and the batsman offered no shot to be bowled for 17. The ball hit the top of off stump and West Indies once again dominated. Joseph’s spell of 7-4-12-2 set up the game nicely for Kemar Roach (4/52) and Jason Holder (4/43) as West Indies won the match by 10 wickets in front of a joyous crowd in Antigua.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Mumbai Indians lost their opening game against Delhi Capitals.
• Alzarri Joseph played the Antigua Test despite the loss of his mother.
• Mumbai Indians will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the next IPL encounter.