WATCH, WI vs ENG | Alzarri Joseph makes fiery exit and walks off after on-field confrontation with Shai Hope

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

Today at 11:48 AM

Heated exchanges are common between opposing teams, but it's rare to see tensions flare within a team itself. The incident occurred in the third ODI between West Indies and England at Barbados, where Alzarri Joseph left the field midway following an exchange with captain Shai Hope.

‌West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and opted to field, looking to capitalise on favourable conditions for the bowlers. Matthew Forde opened the attack and kept the first over tight, conceding only three runs in the first over as the pitch offered movement for the pacers. Alzarri Joseph followed with a precise second over and Forde quickly struck by removing opener Will Jacks in the subsequent over.

Tensions surfaced shortly after between Joseph and Hope over field placements. Joseph was visibly frustrated when Hope set two slips for the incoming batter, Jordan Cox. Unhappy with the positioning, Joseph paused at the end of his follow-through, murmuring under his breath and gesturing in frustration. Just two balls later, he produced a short of a length delivery which Cox edged to Hope behind the stumps. However, despite taking a key wicket, Joseph showed no signs of celebration, his irritation still apparent. As Cox walked off, the substitute fielders entered briefly for a drinks break with one offering to wipe the sweat from Joseph’s face with a towel. However, Joseph was visibly angry as he snatched the towel away and continued his heated exchange with Hope, showing no signs of calming down.

The situation intensified after the over. Joseph walked off the field abruptly after bowling a wicket maiden over with Darren Sammy gesturing from the boundary line, signalling instructions to the remaining players. Joseph was seen agitated as he headed straight to the dressing room. Moments later, he returned to the field, this time with his cap on, and resumed his position among his teammates.

What just happened??