West Indies paceman Alzarri Joseph clarifies why he is sitting out Pakistan Test series

Joseph was was not selected for the two-match series with the Windies board stating "personal reasons" for the paceman's absence.

Speaking ahead of the first Test, Sammy said that Joseph had declined his selection even though he has a national contract with Wes Indies.

Joseph said on Antigua Observer's Good Morning Jojo Sports Show: "We had a chat, myself and the head coach. I've also had a chat with CWI and if you realise the statement CWI released said personal reasons.

"Mr Sammy, being around for a long time, he knows exactly what that statement would have done so, to be honest, I have nothing to say to Mr Sammy in terms of his statement."

The fast bowler then clarified that he has been cautious with his comeback after returning to action from a lower back stress fracture.

Joseph played in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka and the five ODIs against New Zealand that followed earlier this month.

"Obviously, I've been out for an entire year. I haven't played at international intensity for so long after having a second stress fracture," Joseph said. "We spoke about me playing the two Test matches here, playing five back-to-back ODIs (against New Zealand) and how my body was feeling and I knew to myself, my body was not ready to go into another Test series. So, the statement in itself is controversial, without context."

Josesh added that he would continue to play for the West Indies under Sammy, if he is selected.

"I'm a professional, so I'm going to go to work," he said. "I am representing the West Indies. I'm not representing Daren Sammy, so for me, I'm neither here nor there in terms of a relationship.

"I don't go there to make friends. I go there to work and do a job and represent the people of the West Indies."