Shamar Joseph has joined the Lucknow Super Giants as a replacement for Mark Wood. Fans were shocked to read this news because Wood is one of the top fast bowlers in the world right now. Also, LSG paid a huge sum of money to retain him before the auction.
However, IPL officially released a press release to confirm that Wood will not play in IPL 2024 because the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has pulled him out. ECB wants to manage Wood’s workload ahead of the T20 World Cup. Hence, they withdrew Wood’s name.
As a result, LSG were forced to sign a replacement, and they went for Shamar Joseph. The right-arm pacer recently made his Test debut for West Indies and impressed straightaway. Here are three reasons why LSG pulled off a masterstroke by signing Joseph.
1. Shamar Joseph will be available for full IPL season
Even if Mark Wood had been available, he has a habit of getting injured or going home midway due to various reasons. Having a committed player is quite important in IPL and Joseph will have more motivation to play than Wood. Hence, it was a wise decision by LSG.
2. Lucknow Super Giants signed Joseph for just 3 crore
An important part about this development that LSG secured the services of Joseph for only INR 3 crore. Considering how well he performed for West Indies on debut, he was going to be a hot pick at next year’s auction, but now the Super Giants signed him for only 3 crore.
3. LSG have lost important matches due to Mark Wood
Mark Wood was unavailable for selection in the playoffs of IPL 2022 and 2023. The same trend would have continued in 2024 also because of T20 World Cup. Hence, it is a positive sign for the team that they would have the full squad available if they qualify for the playoffs.
