Joseph's Tension with Hope Shocks Bridgetown

In the third ODI against England, West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph sparked drama by leaving the field after a heated disagreement with captain Shai Hope over field placements. The incident occurred in Bridgetown, where England was batting at 9/1 before the third over. Joseph, displeased with the field set by Hope for England’s Jordan Cox, gestured frustration at the two-slip arrangement before delivering a 90 mph bouncer that dismissed Cox, caught by Hope.

Despite the wicket, Joseph declined to celebrate, continuing his exchange with Hope. Coach Daren Sammy approached the boundary to calm the situation, but Joseph completed the wicket-maiden before abruptly leaving the field. With Joseph absent, West Indies played an over with 10 men until substitute Hayden Walsh Jr. entered, and Joseph eventually returned.

Joseph finished with two wickets for 45 in his 10-over spell, contributing to England’s total of 263/8. West Indies then chased the target with ease, thanks to centuries from Keacy Cartey and Brandon King, securing an eight-wicket win and clinching the series 2-1.

Reflecting on the incident, former England player Mark Butcher criticised Joseph's reaction, emphasising that on-field disagreements should be managed professionally and "worked out behind closed doors."