LONDON: West Indies pace prodigy Shamar Joseph spoke highly of retiring James Anderson but vowed to “ruin” the England pacer’s farewell celebration.
England and West Indies are set to embark on a three-match Test series with the Lord’s Test, scheduled to run from July 10 to 14.
The opening Test of the series will be James Anderson‘s last appearance for England in the format.
Speaking to the media ahead of the series opener here, Joseph heaped praise on Anderson, terming him an exceptional player and a role model.
“He [James Anderson] is such an amazing player,” stated Shamar Joseph.
“Someone I have looked up to. Someone who is very good at this level. You could say he’s perfect because he has a lot of wickets at this level. Definitely, I would want to ruin that farewell for him.”
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Shamar Joseph also shared that he was upbeat about playing in England, highlighting the bowling-friendly conditions while also expressing his determination to leave a mark while playing at the home of cricket.
“I’m excited to be here. England is known for a good fast bowling,” stated Joseph.
“Oh they’re great. Watching a lot of the Ashes with great fast bowlers, Jofra Archer, Mitchell Starc, all the great fast bowlers come out here and do well. that’s something I would want to do as well,” Joseph added.
Joseph rose to fame with his heroics in the away Test series against Australia. He played a pivotal role in his side’s memorable victory in the Gabba Test.
Meanwhile, the emerging pacer reiterated that their performance in the recent tour to Australia would give the West Indies confidence, heading into the upcoming series against England.
“Since our last tour of Australia, we maintain our energy. That’s the mindset we come into this series with (that West Indies can compete against England),” said Joseph.