West Indies paceman Alzarri Joseph was preparing to play a full part in the remainder of the second Test against England despite the death of his mother Sharon on Saturday morning.
The 22-year-old, playing Test cricket at his home ground in Antigua for the first time, warmed up with the rest of his team-mates but was clearly emotional.
As the West Indies' second innings began, Joseph was preparing to bat as scheduled and was also expected to the field and bowl.
#WIvENG Ian Bishop offers his condolences to Antiguan fast bowler, Alzarri Joseph, on the passing of his Mom, Sharon Joseph. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/39pTqOlfK4 — Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) February 2, 2019
Both England and the West Indies wore black armbands in memory of Sharon, who is understood to have been suffering from an existing illness.
Rawl Lewis, the West Indies team manager, said: "It is with great sadness that we have been informed that Sharon Joseph, the mother of our young fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, has passed away.
"We know that this will be a very sad and difficult time for Alzarri and his family. But we hope that it brings him comfort to know that his grief is shared by us all – his team-mates and support staff of the team – and we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to him and his family.
"Please join us as we express our heartfelt condolences to Alzarri and his family during this very difficult time."
Very sad news. Our thoughts are with Alzarri and his family. https://t.co/jJ5BAf8heC — England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 2, 2019
The ECB Twitter accounted posted: "Very sad news. Our thoughts are with Alzarri and his family."
Former West Indies paceman Ian Bishop, present in his role as a television pundit, was also seen on the outfield consoling Joseph prior to play beginning.
