The Lord’s name

WITH JUST a couple of days to go before the start of the first Test between hosts England and the West Indies, new fast-bowling sensation Shamar Joseph is champing at the bit to bowl at the famous Lord’s Cricket Ground, the venue for the opening fixture in the three-match series.

Joseph hogged the headlines earlier this year after a scintillating spell against Australia helped the regional side to beat Australia in the Brisbane Test and draw the two-match series at a game apiece. The Guyanese speedster hopes to create that same sort of impact at Lord’s and write his name once again in history.

“I am excited to be here as being at Lord’s everyone trains to be at this ground. England is known for good fast bowling and swing, so I am excited, and I will put my name on the Lord’s honours board for sure.”

PACE ATTACK

With the absence of experienced pacer Kemar Roach, due to injury, a lot is expected of Joseph, along with his namesake, Alzarri Joseph, and Trinidadian Jayden Seales to lead the pace attack. The Guyanese is keen to hit the ground running despite the unfamiliarity of the venue.

“Anywhere that you go, once you have never played there before, there will be challenges, but it is all about how fast you can adjust, and I am looking forward to that challenge.”

Joseph would be the first to admit that playing at Lord’s will be a ‘kid in a candy store moment’ having watched some fiercely contested battles between England and Australia in the past.

“Watching the Ashes and seeing guys like Jofra Archer and Mitchell Starc do well is something I want to come out and do as well.”

The July 10 first Test has been earmarked as the farewell match for England’s legendary seam bowler, James Anderson, and despite that, Joseph said he will not shy away from spoiling the England record holder’s party.

“Definitely, I want to rain on his parade. He is such an amazing player, someone I look up to, and is very good at this level, actually perfect. But I want to ruin that farewell.”