Barbados, Nov 8 (UNI) The West Indies have handed pace bowler Alzarri Joseph a two-match ban for an on-field incident during his side's victory over England in the third ODI in Barbados on Wednesday.
Joseph left the field at the completion of the fourth over of the contest after a disagreement about a field placement with captain Shai Hope and the West Indies were left one player short for an entire over as the pacer watched on from the sidelines.
While Joseph returned to the field and claimed two valuable wickets as the West Indies claimed a series-clinching eight-wicket victory over England, the incident was found to have 'fallen short of Cricket West Indies standards of professionalism'.
The West Indies issued a brief statement on Thursday confirming the two-match ban for Joseph, with Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe indicating the incident did not fall in line with team values, an ICC
report said.
"Alzarri's behaviour did not align with the core values that Cricket West Indies upholds," he said.
"Such conduct cannot be overlooked, and we have taken decisive action to ensure the gravity of the situation is fully acknowledged," Bascombe added.
Joseph also provided an apology for the incident
"I recognise that my passion got the best of me," Joseph said.
"I have personally apologised to captain Shai Hope and my teammates and management," he said.
"I also extend my sincerest apologies to the West Indies fans - I understand that even a brief lapse in judgment can have a far-reaching impact, and I deeply regret any disappointment caused," Joseph said.
The five-match T20I series between the West Indies and England commences in Barbados on Saturday.