Alzarri Shaheim Joseph, one of the rising stars of West Indian cricket, has made a name for himself as a tall and formidable fast bowler. Born on November 20, 1996, in Antigua, Joseph initially displayed his talent as a leg-spinner before his height dictated his transition into the role of a pace bowler.
From a young age, Joseph’s ability to spin the ball caught the attention of those around him. As he matured, he filled out and grew taller, which led to his exploration of fast bowling. His speed quickly became his signature attribute, and his reputation as one of the fastest bowlers on the school circuit spread like wildfire.
Joseph’s breakthrough moment came in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, where he left an indelible mark on the competition. In a match against Zimbabwe, he delivered the tournament’s fastest delivery, clocking in at a blistering 147 kilometers per hour. This thunderbolt broke the stumps of Zimbabwe batter Brendan Sly, showcasing Joseph’s raw pace and skill. By the end of the tournament, he emerged as West Indies’ highest wicket-taker, racking up an impressive thirteen wickets in just six games with an incredible economy rate of 3.31.
His remarkable performance in the Under-19 World Cup, coupled with his promising first-class career, propelled Joseph into the international cricket spotlight. During his second season with Leeward Islands in 2015, he claimed his first-ever five-wicket haul against Guyana, showcasing his ability to dismantle batsmen. He continued his impressive form in the next match, capturing an astonishing 7 for 46 against Windward Islands. These outstanding performances, combined with his success in the World Cup, led to his swift promotion to the West Indies Test side, making his debut against India in August 2016.
In his inaugural Test match, Joseph displayed his potential, dismissing none other than Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, for just three runs with a fiery bouncer. This breakthrough moment marked the beginning of what is sure to become a formidable international career. A few months later, Joseph made his One-Day International (ODI) debut against Pakistan in Sharjah, further solidifying his place in the West Indies cricket fraternity.
As his career progressed, Joseph’s talents were not limited to the international scene. In 2019, he was signed by the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as an injury replacement for Adam Milne. In his very first game, against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Joseph produced astounding figures of 6 for 12, establishing a new record for the best bowling figures by a bowler in the history of the IPL.
Joseph’s meteoric rise in cricket is a testament to his sheer determination, natural talent, and skill. With his remarkable ability to generate pace, Joseph has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. As he continues to hone his craft, cricket enthusiasts around the globe eagerly await his next fiery bouncer or unplayable delivery.