St John's (Antigua): West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has responded strongly to head coach Daren Sammy's comments that he had "declined selection" for the ongoing Test series against Pakistan, insisting the remarks were "controversial, without context."

Joseph explained that his decision to miss the two-match Test series was based purely on fitness concerns, as he continues to manage his workload after returning from a lengthy injury lay-off caused by a recurring lower-back stress fracture.

Speaking on the Antigua Observer's Good Morning Jojo Sports Show, Joseph said: "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. Like I said, he knows exactly what that statement would have done and the narrative it would have pushed in the public," Joseph said.

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The issue surfaced after Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the squad for the Pakistan Tests on July 23, stating that Joseph was unavailable for "personal reasons." However, a day later, Sammy revealed that the pacer had been selected but had chosen not to accept the call-up.

Joseph said that portrayal failed to reflect the full picture, explaining that his decision was influenced by concerns over his physical readiness following a long spell on the sidelines.

"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. We spoke about me playing the two Test matches here, playing five back-to-back ODIs (against New Zealand earlier this month) 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."

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Despite the disagreement over the public messaging, Joseph stressed that the episode would not affect his commitment to representing the West Indies.

When asked whether the incident would impact his relationship with Sammy, Joseph replied, "I'm a professional, so I'm going to go to work. 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," he concluded. (IANS)