3 reasons why Lucknow bagging Shamar Joseph for IPL 2024 is the perfect move

West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph has secured his debut contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have enlisted Joseph as a replacement for Mark Wood due to injury concerns ahead of the IPL 2024 season. Wood's workload management by the ECB, aiming for his full fitness for the 2024 T20 World Cup, prompted this decision. The promising West Indian cricketer made waves recently for his outstanding performance, earning him the Player of the Series accolade in a two-match Test series against Australia. 

The 24-year-old impressed with a total of 13 wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the Adelaide Test and a decisive seven-wicket performance at the Gabba. Joseph's immediate impact for the West Indies is evident by his selection as an injury replacement in the IPL 2024, showcasing his growing stature in the cricketing world. Let us look at three major advantages which the Lucknow based franchise will with the inclusion of Joseph;

1.     Like for like replacement for Mark Wood

With Mark Wood ruled out for the upcoming IPL, there is a huge void to fill in but the young Joseph has surely shown glimpses of his temperament in his debut series. He was even adjourned as the Player of the Series and with his ability to hit the deck hard he will be useful for the team. With the luxury that Wood has with his extra pace, Shamar Joseph can also include the same flare into the team.

2.     Will be handy on Lucknow pitch

Shamar Joseph is known for his relentless pace reaching up to 145 kmph effortlessly, showcased remarkable control over seam and accuracy in Australian conditions. However, bowling at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow presents a unique challenge.

The pitch in Lucknow is renowned for being one of the slowest in the IPL, favoring spinners and pacers with diverse variations. Joseph's reliance on raw pace may not yield the same effectiveness in Lucknow as it did in Adelaide or Brisbane. The youngster will face significant pressure to adapt to the conditions at the Lucknow pitch, where Lucknow Super Giants will host half of their IPL 2024 matches. Opting for a more seasoned pacer known for their variations would have been a wiser choice as a replacement for Mark Wood. 

3.     Can lead LSG's pace bowling unit

While Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) boast a strong spin-bowling department led by Ravi Bishnoi's wicket-taking abilities and Krunal Pandya's economy, their pace attack has considerably weakened since IPL 2023. Avesh Khan's departure in a trade deal to Rajasthan Royals, exchanging him for Devdutt Padikkal, has particularly impacted their pace options. While Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur, and Shivam Mavi show promise for the future, Avesh Khan's experience, having already played eight ODIs and 20 T20Is for India, will be missed.

With Mark Wood's absence, LSG are left to choose between Shamar Joseph or Naveen-ul-Haq as their overseas seam bowler. Consequently, regardless of which three pacers LSG opt to field, they will lack a frontline spearhead, potentially posing a challenge for them in IPL 2024.