(Watch) Shamar Joseph with a broken toe emerges as hero for West Indies to defeat Australia at Gabba.
On Day 3 of the Test match against Australia at the Gabba, Shamar Joseph was forced to retire hurt after being struck by a fierce yorker from Mitchell Starc. Initially appearing to be out of contention for further participation in the match, the 24-year-old cricketer, who has emerged as a significant asset for the West Indies in this series, made a remarkable comeback. Despite the setback, Joseph delivered a stellar performance, claiming seven crucial wickets and played a pivotal role in West Indies’ thrilling victory over Australia by eight runs, thereby leveling the series 1-1. Meanwhile, Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 91.
Here is the winning moment of West Indies over Australia:
This historic win marks West Indies’ first-ever triumph on Australian soil in 27 years. Their previous Test victory in Australia dates back to February 1997 when they secured a 10-wicket win on a challenging WACA Ground pitch in Perth. Notably, this victory predates the birth of both Shamar Joseph and Cameron Green, highlighting the significance of this achievement for West Indies cricket.
Following Joseph’s injury, West Indies Cricket provided an update stating that scans revealed no fracture in his toe. He will continue to be monitored and assessed by the medical team, with hopes for a speedy recovery.
Joseph’s impactful spell came during Australia’s innings when they were comfortably positioned at 93 for 2 in 28 overs, with Steve Smith and Cameron Green appearing settled at the crease. However, Joseph’s second over proved to be a turning point as he dismissed Green and then produced a thunderous yorker to remove Travis Head. Subsequently, he accounted for the dismissals of Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey, before claiming the crucial wickets of Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins.
In the second innings, Alzzari Joseph contributed to Australia’s downfall by dismissing Nathan Lyon, while Shamar Joseph cleaned up Josh Hazlewood to seal the victory for West Indies.
In the first innings, West Indies were bowled out for 311, while Australia declared their innings at 289 for 9. In their second innings, West Indies could only manage 193 runs, setting Australia a target of 216 runs to chase on Day 4.
Shamar Joseph made a memorable debut in the Test arena by claiming Steven Smith as his maiden wicket with his first delivery in Adelaide. He further impressed with the bat, scoring 36 runs batting at No. 11 in his first innings.