West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has been hit with a two-match suspension after storming off the field during the series-clinching ODI win over England.

Cricket West Indies said Joseph had been sanctioned for “conduct falling short of CWI’s standards of professionalism.”

Joseph marched off the pitch during Wednesday’s game at Kensington Oval in Barbados shortly after taking the wicket of Jordan Cox in the fourth over, in an apparent protest at the field set by West Indies skipper Shai Hope.

That left the West Indies briefly down to 10 players before Joseph then returned for the sixth over.

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

Joseph apologised in the same statement, saying that “my passion got the best of me.”

“I have personally apologized to captain Shai Hope and my teammates and management,” the 27-year-old said. “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.”

© Agence France-Presse