West Indies suspend Alzarri Joseph for two T20 matches with England – after walking off the field following on-pitch row with captain Shai Hope

West Indies have suspended fast bowler Alzarri Joseph for the first two Twenty20 internationals against England after he left his team to temporarily field with 10 in a fit of pique on Wednesday.

Joseph walked off at the end of a fourth over that began with a heated exchange with captain Shai Hope over field placings and included the dismissal of Jordan Cox.

The 27-year-old did not celebrate that wicket with his team-mates and sat in the dugout for the fifth over. Returning for the sixth over, he was removed from the attack by Hope and subsequent inter-actions between the pair during the eight-wicket win that sealed a 2-1 one-day success were strained.

Cricket West Indies confirmed in a statement that Joseph will not be considered for the weekend’s double header at the Kensington Oval that opens the five-match T20 series as he had displayed ‘conduct falling short of CWI’s standards of professionalism.’

Miles Bascombe, CWI’s director of cricket said: ‘Alzarri’s behavior did not align with the core values that Cricket West Indies upholds. Such conduct cannot be overlooked, and we have taken decisive action to ensure the gravity of the situation is fully acknowledged.’

Joseph had left the field against England after a heated exchange with captain Shai Hope

The fast bowler, left, sat in the stands during the fifth over of the match before returning

Joseph, who has previously been vice-captain for West Indies but was not given that official position for England’s tour, responded: ‘I recognize that my passion got the best of me.

‘I have personally apologized to captain Shai Hope and my teammates and management.

‘I also extend my sincerest apologies to the West Indies fans—I understand that even a brief lapse in judgment can have a far-reaching impact, and I deeply regret any disappointment caused.’